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FC Goa have retained midfielder Borja Herrera after signing him on a permanent deal, according to Times of India journalist Marcus Mergulhao. The 31-year-old joined the Gaurs on a short-term loan transfer from East Bengal FC in January 2024.
He was a part of the Kolkata giants' victorious 2024 Indian Super Cup squad, registering an assist in the tournament. Borja, who has also represented Hyderabad FC in the ISL under Manolo Marquez, impressed everyone during his short stint with FC Goa last season.
Borja Herrera will be FC Goa's sixth foreign signing
The Spaniard registered two goals and three assists in the 14 matches he played for FC Goa during the ISL last season. Given his immense experience of representing several Spanish clubs over the years and his proven credentials in Indian football, signing Borja Herrera on a permanent deal is a significant move for FC Goa in their quest for silverware.
Asserting Borja will be the club's sixth foreign signing for the upcoming season, a senior official heaped praise on the player and also spoke about his influence in the dressing room.
"Manolo trusts Borja to deliver on the field and he remains a good influence in the dressing room. Borja can play in multiple positions and he has enough experience of playing here, so it’s win-win for Goa. He is the sixth foreign signing for the club," the official said (via the Times of India).
Despite remaining unbeaten in the first leg matches in the 2023-24 ISL, FC Goa finished third with 45 points from 22 matches, three less than the Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Unfortunately, the Gaurs lost by a 5-2 margin (aggregate) in the two-legged semifinals against the eventual ISL Cup Trophy winners Mumbai City FC.
Manolo Marquez's men will kick off the new season with their 2024 Durand Cup Group F fixture against Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on August 5. Apart from the 2021 Durand Cup winners and Hyderabad FC, Group F also comprises Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army FC.
