FC Goa have signed goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh on a two-year deal, the club announced on Thursday.

Arshdeep who moved on from Odisha FC after spending three years at the club will now face a new challenge with the Gaurs who are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing season.

“This is a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to play for FC Goa, so when I was presented with the opportunity this summer, I didn’t have to think twice before agreeing terms,” Singh told fcgoa.in after signing on the dotted line.

“Their footballing style is something that I have admired for a long time. However, I have been on the wrong side of some really marvellous attacking performances by Goa. Even though I am a ‘keeper, I love playing with my feet, and am comfortable with it and I feel that would be something that I will bring to the Club. I can’t wait to develop my game further and take the next step forward,” he added.

Arshdeep has played 33 matches in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) and has made 116 saves during that period with a save percentage of 65.53. Considered among the more talented goalkeepers to have emerged from the Hero ISL in the last few seasons, Arshdeep is certain to strengthen FC Goa’s squad.

“We’re pleased to bring Arshdeep on board. He’s a keeper who is well accustomed to the league now and beyond his obvious shot-stopping ability, has fantastic distribution as well, which is a must for us in our style of football. I’m sure he’ll adapt to our style and system in no time and will be an integral part of the First Team for years to come,” Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football said.

The Gaurs have already completed the signing of Alvaro Vazquez from Kerala Blasters FC and have now strengthened their goalkeeping department.

Jonathas Cristian, Aridai Suarez leave Odisha FC

Odisha FC announced the departure of forwards Jonathas Cristian and Aridai Suarez ahead of the upcoming Hero ISL season. The club made the announcement via their social media handles on Thursday.

His stint at the Odisha FC only lasted one season but it was memorable one,as he found the back of the net eight times in 16 games and made four assists to his name.

The 33-years-old Cristian started his youth career with Brazilian club Cruzeiro junior team and he made his senior debut for the first team in 2006. He has competed in a number of leagues, including those in Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Prior to signing for Dutch club AZ in 2009, he also played on loan for Ipatinga and Villa Nova in Brazil.

Before joining the Bhubaneswar-based side, he was with UAE Pro League club Sharjah FC and played for Hatta Club on loan in 2021. 

While the other striker Aridia Suarez also made an impact in his inaugural season for Odisha FC last season. After enjoying successful stints in Spain's lower divisions, the 33-year-old player joined Hero ISL last season. He played with Las Palmas in the 2020–21 season, making 31 appearances and tallying two goals.

Even after the inclusion of Spanish striker Odisha FC couldn’t manage to qualify for the semi-finals, they finished seventh on the points table. The Spaniard had a good season though, he finished with 5 goals and one assist in 17 matches.

The Kalinga Warriors have already announced the departure of Victor Mongil, Javi Hernandez, Hector Ramirez and Liridon Krasniqi from their foreign contingent during the ongoing summer transfer window.

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FC GoaOdisha FC Arshdeep SinghAridai Cabrera