Mumbai City FC is in advanced talks to sign Brandon Fernandes on a free transfer, IFTWC can confirm. The 29-year-old’s contract with FC Goa expires this summer, presenting an enticing opportunity for the Islanders to secure his services without any transfer fee.
Should the agreement be finalized, Brandon will make a comeback to Mumbai City after nine years, having initially been selected in the 2015 ISL Drafts. Nevertheless, he and the club will aspire for a more favorable outcome this time. During his previous stint with Mumbai, Brandon appeared in just two matches due to a string of injuries that plagued the remainder of his season. He subsequently joined Mohun Bagan on loan, where he continued to struggle with injuries, and later finalized a permanent transfer to Churchill Brothers.
Brandon is currently in his seventh season representing FC Goa in the ISL, having initially joined the club in 2017 through the ISL Drafts. Over this period, he has accumulated 121 appearances, contributing with 29 assists and 14 goals. Hailing from Goa itself, Brandon ranks third in all-time appearances for the Gaurs and is on track to surpass Edu Bedia’s record of 122 appearances this season, trailing closely behind Seriton Fernandes, who boasts 145 appearances for Goa. He also ranks third among the current players in terms of longevity with a single ISL club, following Sunil Chhetri and Seriton.
The potential departure of Brandon Fernandes, their skipper, would undoubtedly have a significant impact on FC Goa, as he and the club have become synonymous with each other over recent seasons. Last summer saw Goa signing Mumbai midfielders Raynier and Rowlin Borges (on loan), and now, it appears that the tables may turn with Brandon’s potential move to Mumbai City FC. The Gaurs will face a daunting challenge in finding a replacement for the influential midfielder, who has served as one of their primary offensive weapons over the years.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Peter Kratky appears keen on bolstering his team’s attacking prowess by leveraging Brandon’s versatility, as he can operate both in midfield and on the wings. Under Manolo Marquez’s management this season, the Goan midfielder has predominantly featured on the left side, demonstrating his value with two assists and three big chances created in 11 starts. Brandon could seamlessly integrate into Mumbai’s midfield, forming a formidable partnership with Apuia, or he could occupy positions on the wings, providing support to Bipin and Chhangte in their work.
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Brandon’s potential inclusion could also bolster Mumbai City’s leadership group, especially alongside experienced players like Rahul Bheke. The Islanders seem to have a penchant for domestic midfielders who double as captains for their teams having earlier signed Vinit Rai from Odisha FC, who held the captain’s armband for the Juggernauts.
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