Exclusive: Mumbai City set to sign FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz

The custodian has been a regular for the Gaurs in recent seasons.

FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz is set to reunite with his former coach Sergio Lobera at Mumbai City FC, Khel Now understands. The 21-year-old will join the Islanders on a three-year deal ahead of the next season of the Indian Super League (ISL). Nawaz’s contract with the Gaurs will conclude at the end of the ongoing campaign and he is a part of the goalkeepers’ merry-go-round in the league.

Earlier this month, Khel Now exclusively revealed that young shot-stopper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem will join the Gaurs in the ongoing transfer window and the news has since been confirmed by the club. The 20-year-old shifted bases due to a lack of game-time at ATK Mohun Bagan and will most likely be the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Nawaz at Goa.

Today, we disclosed that ATKMB are set to sign Mumbai City FC skipper Amrinder Singh on a mega five-year contract before the next season. The Islanders’ captain’s transfer to the Kolkata giants will be one of the biggest deals in terms of total package for an Indian player.

Singh’s departure to ATKMB will create a major void in the goalkeeping department for Mumbai. The City Football Group-owned outfit have addressed that by luring Lobera’s former trusted lieutenant into the squad.

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Mohammad Nawaz emerged as one of the most exciting custodians in the league under Lobera’s tutelage at Goa. He maintained nine clean-sheets in 33 games in the fifth and sixth editions of the ISL. Nawaz’s proficiency with the ball at his feet enabled him to efficiently kick-start attacks from the back. This was a trait that further developed during Lobera’s tenure and made the young lad stand apart in comparison to other goalkeepers in the league.

Nawaz’s move to Mumbai will arguably solve a major issue that could have arisen through Amrinder Singh’s transfer. Lobera played a major role in the FC Goa custodian’s incredible improvement in the last few years. Now, the former India U-17 international can very well take his game to the next level by re-joining his former coach at the metropolis club.