Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa announced the arrival of midfielder Dejan Drazic, who hence becomes the club’s first-ever signing from Serbia. Drazic has penned a two-year contract with the Gaurs, which will see him wear the orange jersey during the upcoming 2024–25 season and beyond.

This being his first-ever assignment outside of the European continent, the 28-year-old arrives on Indian shores to play for FC Goa after an impressive season with Cyprus-based Ethnikos Achna FC, where he notched six goals and 14 assists across 39 appearances in 2023–24.

Born in the city of Sombor in Serbia, a young Drazic began his football journey with FK Teleoptik in the late 2000s, before progressing through the youth ranks of Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade. His professional career kicked off in 2013 with Serbian SuperLiga club OFK Beograd, where he made an immediate impact by scoring his first league goal just a month after his debut.

The midfielder’s talent soon took him to Spain, where he played for La Liga side Celta de Vigo and spent a season on loan at Real Valladolid in the Segunda division. His journey then continued through Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava, Poland with Zagłębie Lubin, and Hungary with Budapest Honvéd FC, all in the top-division leagues of their respective countries.

Drazic enjoyed significant success at Bratislava in particular, winning the league title twice—in 2018-19 and 2020-21—and playing regularly in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. Following stints with Turkish club Bodrum FK and Serbian outfit FK Radnik, he joined Ethnikos Achna FC in the Cypriot First Division League, where he had one of his best campaigns to date last season.

On the international stage, Dejan Drazic has represented Serbia at various youth levels. He was a part of the Eagles’ squad at the 2014 UEFA Under-19 Championship and has also featured for their U20 and U21 teams. With 326 appearances, 54 goals, and 48 assists overall across his club career, the 28-year-old brings with him substantial experience and a distinguished record, as he now looks to try his hand in Indian football.

Head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his excitement about the new signing, stating, “We’re elated to welcome Dejan (Drazic) to FC Goa. He is a very talented player, technically brilliant, with fine dribbling abilities and a very good final pass.

“He has played in different countries, which will help him adapt to India and the nature of football played in the country. Versatility is another one of Drazic’s qualities; he can play as a winger or as an attacking midfielder. All of this makes him a fantastic addition to the squad, and we’re sure he will hit the ground running at training once he arrives,” the Spaniard added.

On his decision to join FC Goa, Drazic said, “I’m happy to join the Gaurs, and I’m ready for a new challenge after so many years in Europe. I heard the best things about the Indian Super League, from my friends from Serbia who played here; some of them are still here.”

“And all of them said the nicest things about FC Goa—what they tell me is that this is perhaps the best and the most organized club in the country. Later, while speaking with the management, who were very direct and persistent with me, I became pleased to know that I am one of the choices for this team,” he continued.

“I hope to justify this trust in me. The bigger goal, of course, is to be one of the contenders to win the league and cup competitions. I am also eager to show myself well and to bring the club and the team what they expect from me,” the Serbian further added.

Dejan Drazic is hence the Gaurs’ fourth confirmed foreign signing for the 2024–25 season, after Carl McHugh, Odei Onaindia, who recently extended his terms, and Iker Guarrotxena, who returned to the club last week after an impressive debut campaign in 2022–23.

Kerala Blasters FC bid farewell to Jeakson Singh

Kerala Blasters FC announced the departure of Jeakson Singh on Thursday through their social media channels. The defensive midfielder is set to leave the club after his six-year stint with the Blasters.

The 23-year-old midfielder made his ISL debut with Kerala Blasters FC and featured in 78 games over the last couple of years. He scored two goals and provided two assists during his time with the club.

Joining the club as a young prospect, Singh displayed his potential and played a pivotal role at the heart of the pitch over the years, becoming an integral part of the Blasters’ setup. The midfielder made 78 ISL appearances for the club, clocking 5950 minutes.

Singh created 26 chances, attempted 31 successful dribbles, completed 405 recoveries, won 274 duels, made 62 clearances, and averaged 35 passes per game with an 82% accuracy.

“It's true that I am leaving the club, and I thought sitting down to share my feelings and thoughts would be better,” Singh said in his farewell video.

Read More: Grateful for everything Kerala Blasters FC have done for me, says Jeakson Singh

“As a footballer, our life is short, and our career is a short time to experience a lot of things. So, I think after spending many years with the club, now is a good time to say goodbye and find a new chapter—nothing more than that. I hope fans can understand and respect my decision,” he added.

Majcen rejoins Punjab FC, while Meitei signs an extension

Indian Super League outfit Punjab FC have re-signed Luka Majcen on a one-year deal ahead of the upcoming 2024–25 season. Majcen spent the last two seasons with Punjab FC, captaining the side in their debut season of the ISL after they became the first club to be promoted to the ISL from the I-League.

Majcen is an experienced striker, and his leadership has helped the club make an impact in the past two seasons. Majcen had an impressive 2023-24 season, scoring eight goals and assisting twice. In the 2022–23 I-League season, Majcen scored 16 goals from 20 matches, helping the team gain promotion to the ISL and also winning the Hero of the League and Golden Boot awards.

The 35-year-old Slovenian has been plying his trade in Indian football for the past four seasons. He is only the third foreigner to have played in the top three tiers of Indian football. Majcen played for Churchill Brothers, Bengaluru United, and Gokulam Kerala before joining Punjab FC in 2022. He started his career with Slovenian side Interblock, based in Ljubljana. He has also played for other Slovenian clubs like Rudar Velenje, Koper, Triglav Kranj, Gorcia, and Krka before moving to India.

Majcen is a Slovenian youth international, representing the country in the U-18, 19, 20, and 21 categories.

Speaking about the signing, Technical Director of Punjab FC, Nikolaos Topoliatis, said, “Luka (Majcen) is a very experienced player, and he has a very good understanding of the club and Indian football. He has performed at the highest level in the past two seasons for us, and we felt like he could make an immediate impact this season as well. He was the captain of the team in the previous season, and his leadership skills will prove valuable in and out of the pitch.”

The Shers have also announced Suresh Meitei’s contract extension until 2027. Since joining the club from Churchill Brothers last summer, the defender has made 14 league appearances, clocking 1259 minutes on the pitch.

Meitei averaged 33 passes per game, won 10 tackles and 28 duels, completed 60 recoveries, and made 69 clearances. Additionally, the defender completed 352 successful passes and created five chances in the ISL 2023–24 season.