Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: FC Goa are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish defender Pol Moreno for the upcoming season.
The 31-year-old centre-back joins the Gaurs after a four-year stint with Racing Santander in the Segunda División, the second tier of Spanish football.
A product of the Catalan football system, Moreno brings with him a wealth of experience, having played over 200 professional games in Spain. Known for his composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and leadership at the back, the Barcelona-born defender is expected to be a key figure in the heart of the FC Goa defence this season.
FC Goa Head Coach Manolo Marquez shared his thoughts on the new addition: “Pol is a very good signing for us. He brings a lot of experience, especially with his time in Spain's second division over the past few years with Racing Santander. He is a tall, strong centre-back, very solid in aerial duels, and shows good leadership on the pitch. He's also comfortable with the ball at his feet, which helps us in the build-up and our defensive organization. With the big AFC qualifier coming up, his experience will be really important for the team.”
Speaking on his move to India, Pol Moreno said: “I’m very happy to join FC Goa. I’ve heard great things about the club, the passionate fans, and the football culture in Goa. It’s an exciting new chapter in my career and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success.”
The Spanish defender has already joined his new teammates in Goa and hit the ground running as preparations intensify for a crucial game ahead.
Meanwhile, Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena has extended his contract with FC Goa by a year, keeping him with the Gaurs until the end of the 2025-26 season.
With as many as 14 goal involvements for the club last season, the highest for the club, will form an integral part of the squad as the club aims for glory at the continental stage.
First joining the club in the 2022-23, Spaniard Guarrotxena immediately made his presence felt scoring 13 goals and earning the title of the club’s top goal-scorer for the season.
His consistency on the pitch makes him a reliable presence for the team, having been called “a complete player, who is both decisive and dangerous” by Head Coach Manolo Marquez. The 2025-26 season will be his third for the club, stated the club’s press release.