FC Goa are set to secure the services of 33-year-old Spanish centre-back Odei Onaindia from Hyderabad FC on a free. This sensational piece of business from the Goan side comes off the back of what is turning out to be a very eventful transfer window for them. FC Goa’s highly respected Spanish coach, Manolo Marquez, who penned a one-year deal with the Gaur camp recently following their Super Cup 2023 campaign was instrumental in making sure FC Goa could wrap up Odei’s signing smoothly. Marquez made it clear that he wanted the former CD Mirandes man despite speculation regarding interest from other clubs.
Odei Onaindia started off his youth career with Athletic Bilbao and spent over a decade playing for various clubs across the Spanish league before catching the eyes of CD Mirandes. Odei was crucial in CD Mirandes in their historic run to the much more prestigious Copa del Rey semifinal, beating Spanish juggernauts such as Celta de Vigo, Sevilla FC, and Villareal along the way. Odei even helped CD Mirandes clinch promotion to La Liga 2 in 2019. He started every game for Hyderabad FC in his debut ISL campaign and was a mainstay in the team in their push for a place in the playoffs in the 2020-21 season.
A calm and composed defender on the ball, Odei Onaindia’s strength lies in his defensive awareness and ability to get in between the ball and the opposition player. Odei starred as Hyderabad FC managed 10 clean sheets in 19 games in the 2022-23 season. A towering presence, Odei specializes in jockeying the player off the ball without feeling the need to commit or make a challenge.
6 feet tall, Odei can match most opposition strikers for pace when he has to chase a ball. His height gives him a competitive advantage in aerial duels as he wins 1.8 aerial duels per 90. Odei Onaindia is a solid passer as well as he averages 32.5 passes a game with an 81% success rate. Odei managed to grab himself a goal and an assist for Hyderabad FC in the 2022-23 season.
FC Goa can be satisfied and excited as they have managed to get their hands on a quality and experienced defender in their revamp ahead of the 2023-24 season.
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