Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: FC Goa are just a formality away from completing the signing of Ishan Pandita as the club looks to shore up its striking department after several foreign departures.Pandita, 27, started his professional football journey in India with FC Goa in 2020 and quickly became known for his super sub appearances, scoring late goals, minutes after stepping on the field. He scored four goals in just 128 minutes in his debut season under Spanish coach Juan Ferrando.Now, Pandita – who also made it to the national team under Igor Stimac — returns to Goa, this time after being assured that he will have an important role to play in this season’s Indian Super League (ISL).“Goa need strikers to fill the void and Ishan fits the bill,” said a senior official. “He is hungry to play after a couple of seasons where he did not get enough game time. Goa offers him the perfect platform since he could start as the first-choice striker.”Following the departures of foreigners like Borja Herrera, Iker Guarrotxena and Javier Siverio, Goa does not have enough quality up front. David Timor’s return to Spain means Dejan Drazic is now the only foreign option available on the wings, though there are some concerns that the Serbian could accept offers from foreign clubs before the end of the January transfer window.Spanish defender Pol Moreno will continue with Goa till end of season.Pandita moved to Jamshedpur from Goa and then to Kerala Blasters FC. He spent the last few months at Malappuram FC in Super League Kerala (SLK).His move to Goa is understood to be influenced by the presence of coach Manolo Marquez. Pandita spent six years in Spain when he became the first Indian to sign a professional contract as he inked a deal with former La Liga side CD Leganes for a place in their U-19 team.
