ISL 2017/18: FC Goa in talks with Morocco's Adnan Hugo Boumous, set to loan Manuel Arana to Delhi Dynamos

What's the story?

High-flying side FC Goa are said to be in talks with Moroccan midfielder Adnan Hugo Boumous to get him on board for the ongoing season, as the ISL January transfer window rolls on to its third week.

To sign the 22-year-old, the Gaurs would have to release an overseas player, as only eight foreigners are allowed in the squad in ISL. In order to accommodate Hugo Boumous FC Goa are set to Manuel Arana loan to bottom side Delhi Dynamos.

At this stage, Arana's loan deal is said to be a mere formality, and official paperwork is the only thing that remains to be sorted out, a Delhi Dynamos official confirmed to Sportskeeda.

In case you didn't know...

Boumous has already played under the present FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera when he was in charge of Moghreb Tetuan in the Moroccan League.

The 22-year-old has had his share of controversies at quite a young age. In June 2016, he received a call-up from the Moroccan U-23 side but was let go when he was caught smoking shisha with his teammates.

The heart of the matter

According to rules of Indian Super League, any side cannot have more than eight foreign players in their squad at a given time. Hence, for Goa to make their new signing, they would have to release a foreign player.

The casualty, in this case, seems to be 33-year old Manuel Arana, who has made 10 appearances for the side, starting only two of those matches. He is in advanced talks with Delhi Dynamos, who would also have to release a foreign player to sign the Spanish midfielder.

According to reports, both the signings are to be completed in the next two days and then the players would be available to play for their new sides.

What's next?

FC Goa are currently fourth on the table with one match in hand on the top three sides. They would need a win in the next match against Northeast United on Sunday to solidify their position in the top four and further increasing their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

Author's take

It looks like a beneficial deal for both the clubs involved who are in the market for a new player. Although, it is yet to be seen who Delhi will release in order to accomodate their new Spanish acquisition.