The City Group Ltd. owned club Mumbai City FC have signed Spanish midfielder Hernán Santana on a season-long loan from Spanish club Real Sporting de Gijón. The 30-year-old midfielder was under radar since a long time.
Hernan started his youth career with UD Las Palmas. After finishing youth development program, he joined Las Palmas reserve side and made his debut in Tercera División. Due to his disciplined playing style in midfield, he was promoted to first team in 2012. From 2012 to 2018, he undisputedly started for the club. In his stint of 6 years with Las Palmas, he made 107 appearences. Interestingly, Santana played under Sergio Lobera, the current gaffer of Mumbai City FC. Lobera was incharge of Las Palmas from 2012 to 2014. In 2018, Santana made a switch to Sporting de Gijón, where he signed a three-year long contract with the club till 2021. Last season, Santana made only 2 appearances for the club.
After reuniting with former coach Santana said, “I’ve known Sergio Lobera from my time in Spain. He is a highly respected coach back home and I had two fantastic years playing under him. He played a major role in bringing me here in Mumbai City FC. I’ve heard a lot about the city of Mumbai and their fans. I can’t wait to start with my new teammates and compete for trophies.“
Head Coach Sergio Lobera said, “I have worked with Hernán earlier. He is a hard worker, on and off the ball. I am delighted to have him with us and I am sure our supporters will also enjoy seeing a player of Hernán’s calibre.“
Looking back at the foreign signings, former FC Goa players like Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall & Hugo Boumous has already signed for the club. Addition to it, strikers like Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam le Fondre have joined. The signing of Santana in squad indicates that the club is a strong contender aiming for the top of the table & also win the ISL trophy.
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