FC Goa set to rebuild as Noah moves to Kerala

Panaji: FC Goa are expected to lose some of their regulars at the end of the season, starting with Noah Sadaoui who has agreed a two-year contract with Kerala Blasters.
Goa finished third in the race for the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield, three points behind champions Mohun Bagan, and lost against Mumbai City FC in the semifinals. The team looked good enough to test the best teams but might need a rebuild for next season.
According to sources, Sadaoui has already agreed a two-year contract with Blasters.Since joining Goa in 2022, the Moroccan winger has been an important player, scoring 20 goals. In his first season, Sadaoui made 20 ISL appearances, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists.
This season, he scored 11 goals, which includes a hat-trick, besides five assists.
“Dear Gaurs, I am grateful for your unwavering support shown for the team and I. Throughout the season, despite challenges in going through ups and downs, not once did I feel alone. You guys continued to support the team in our best moments, but more importantly, stood by us in our moments of doubt.
“We are extremely disappointed that we couldn’t achieve our goals. Coming within three points of winning the league, alongside two semifinals, are things that will take time to get over, but this is football... you live and learn. I hope in the future, the team will do everything to make you guys happy as you deserve it,” Sadaoui said in a social media post on Tuesday.
While Sadaoui is now certain to leave, there are question marks over the continuity of captain Brandon Fernandes, who’s out of contract at the end of the season. Club sources said there is no confirmation yet on Brandon’s future.
“The club has to take big calls on foreign players who will hold the key to the team’s success next season,” said a senior official.
Spanish striker Carlos Martinez and midfielder Borja Herrera are both out of contracts, while defender Odei Onaindia and midfielder Carl McHugh are both expected to continue.
Goa were knocked out in the semifinals by Mumbai who registered a 2-0 win at home, after a stunning 3-2 win at Fatorda.
“We started the game okay, good with the ball. But after 15-20 minutes, my feeling from the sideline is that nothing happened during the first half, practically, you know, without chances. In the second half, we tried to change this, but when they (Mumbai) scored the first goal, practically the game was over,” said coach Manolo Marquez.