Santana to replace injured Valiente at FC Goa

Panaji: FC Goa have completed the signing of Hernan Santana who won the Indian Super League (ISL) with Mumbai City FC in 2021.
The Spanish midfielder spent a year at Mumbai when the club won the double of League Winners’ Shield and ISL trophy under Sergio Lobera in 2020-21.
He then moved to NorthEast United FC and later reunited with Lobera at Chinese second division club Sichuan Jiuniu, part of the City Football Group.
According to sources, Santana has now secured a release from the Chinese club and accepted a short-term contract with Goa.
“Hernan has already applied for his visa and is expected to join Goa soon,” a source who has tracked the development told TOI. “The player has experience of playing in India, knows the league, players and can easily adapt to the conditions here. He’s also familiar with Goa’s playing style, so won’t take time to settle down.”
Santana, 32, will replace defender Marc Valiente, who picked up an injury last week and is now expected to miss most part of the season. The former Barcelona defender was seen on crutches in the VIP gallery during FC Goa’s clash against Kerala Blasters on Sunday.
“Hernan is essentially a midfielder, but he showed with Mumbai that he can play in multiple positions, including central defender. He will have a very important role to play for the club,” said the source.
FC Goa coach Carlos Pena is unlikely to tinker with the pairing of Fares Arnaout and Anwar Ali in central defence, but with Santana joining the team, he now has an additional option.
The Spaniard is effective in defensive midfield, his primary position, and could be called into action sooner than later, given that Edu Bedia, the first choice, is one booking away from suspension.
“He can also provide a different dimension to Goa’s game if things don’t go as planned,” said the source.
Goa have also replaced midfielder Glan Martins with the experienced Lenny Rodrigues, who has already started training with the team.
Goa are battling for a playoff spot and are placed fifth with 23 points after 15 games. The top six qualify for playoffs, and with the likes of Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC not too far behind, the last five games will prove to be crucial.
Goa defeated Kerala Blasters 3-1 in their last home game and will face East Bengal at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday.