ISL 2020-21: Nongdamba Naorem to join FC Goa in the summer

Talented 20-year-old winger Nongdamba Naorem is close to a switch from Kerala Blasters to FC Goa. Goal reports that the youngster will be joining the Gaurs at the end of the current Indian Super League (ISL) season with terms already agreed between all parties. He was previously set for a move to ATK Mohun Bagan which broke down as a result of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that he was diagnosed with after all the formalities had been completed.

The former Indian Arrows and Minerva Punjab attacker had a stellar 2019-20 season on loan with Mohun Bagan in the I-League. He was a regular fixture in Kibu Vicuna’s title-winning side and scored twice and assisted five times in a curtailed campaign. Having returned to Kerala ahead of the 2020-21 ISL campaign, fans and pundits alike expected him to carry his good form into the new campaign, especially with Vicuna helming affairs at the club. However, he has made just three appearances this term and garnered less than 200 minutes in total.

Although it was initially thought that he could be the perfect replacement for the injured Michael Soosairaj at ATK Mohun Bagan, the ill-timed injury has ruined that possibility. With a move to FC Goa on the cards, there seems to be a silver lining after all for the player who broke through in the 2018-19 season of the I-League. As and when the transfer goes through, this would further confirm Goa’s intentions of bringing in top local talent and making them an important part of the club’s future.

Incidentally, young striker Subha Ghosh was a part of the deal between the Mariners and Kerala Blasters with him moving southwards. However, his participation for the Tuskers is still in limbo as he waits for official clearance to complete the deal. This, after he reportedly scored for the West Coast club in a practice game for the reserves soon after his arrival.