ISL: Mumbai City FC sign Spurs academy product Cy Goddard from Serie A side on loan

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Mumbai City FC have reached an agreement with Serie A side Benevento Calcio to sign English-born Japanese midfielder Cy Goddard, possibly on a loan move, ahead of the upcoming season, the Italian club announced this weekend.

While Mumbai have been making big noise, this huge deal went largely under the nose of many. Goddard, 23, is a product of England's Tottenham Hotspur, the academy where he spent 12 years polishing his skills. He featured regularly for the club's U18 and U21 sides and twice extended his contract. However, in 2017, he sought to leave Spurs in search of first team football.

In August 2018, Goddard signed a three-year contract with Serie B side Benevento on a three-year contract. He would make his senior debut later that year in November, as an 82nd minute substitute in a 3–1 loss to Spezia. The youngster spent most of the season on the substitute bench, as he made only two appearances. Before the start of next season, Goddard joined Cypriot First Division club Pafos on a loan deal, where he made six league appearances.

https://twitter.com/bncalcio/status/1312384165413679104

The former Japan U16 International fulfils Mumbai's Asian player quota as he joins the ranks of Bartholomew Ogbeche, Adam Le Fondre, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall. Spanish midfielder Hernan Santana was in talks with the club as well but it will be interesting to see if the deal materialises now, give Sergio Lobera's preference of having two foreign defenders at his disposal.

Having missed out on the race for Sandesh Jhingan to ATK Mohun Bagan FC, the former FC Goa coach will surely look to bolster his defence before the start of the season.

Nevertheless, this seems to be a brilliant acquisition by the City Football Group (CFG) owned outfit. If Goddard can get going in India, Mumbai will be genuine title contenders.

Here is our in-depth analysis on how Mumbai City could line up this season.