ISL: FC Goa sign defender Muhammad Hammad

FC Goa have bolstered their defensive third by signing 26-year-old Muhammad Hammad. The defender who won the prestigious Jarnail Singh award for the Best Defender of the season has now joined the Gaurs on a multi-year deal, the club announced on Saturday, June 22.

After signing for the Indian Super League outfit, Hammad said in a statement:

“Joining FC Goa is a dream come true for me. The club’s vision and commitment to excellence resonate with my personal goals, and I am eager to bring my best to the pitch. I look forward to representing the Gaurs and making my mark in the ISL."

He added:

"This opportunity means a lot to me and to be the first from my region to play for FC Goa is a proud moment."

Muhammad Hammad's senior career started in Lonestar Kashmir, following which he made a move to Real Kashmir in 2017. In the winter transfer window in 2023, he signed for Jaipur Elite, and in May he went on to sign for FC1. Post his signing for FC1, he made a loan move to his former club Real Kashmir, and captained the side in the I-League.

Under Hammad's captainship, Real Kashmir made a fifth-place finish in the second-tier of Indian football. His performance was noteworthy which ultimately propelled the FC Goa scouts to go for his signature.

---

FC Goa's preparations for upcoming season

After releasing many key players from the side, FC Goa recently announced a few incomings and extensions. The club has notably renewed the contracts of promising defender and new India debutant Jay Gupta and midfielder Muhammed Nemil. The club has also extended the stay of Goan lad Seriton Fernandes, as revealed by Sportskeeda a few days back.

Among the foreigners, Noah Sadaoui has left the club and is reportedly headed towards Kerala Blasters in the ISL itself. However, the club has managed to retain the services of experienced Spanish centre-back Odei Onaindia. The Gaurs have also added players like Lara Sharma to replace Dheeraj Singh and left-back Aakash Sangwan.