Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), FC Goa announced that Borja Herrera, who initially joined the club on a short-term loan deal in January this year from East Bengal FC, has now signed a permanent contract.
The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder has made a significant impact for the Gaurs since his arrival, notching two goals and three assists in 14 appearances in the second half of last season.
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Born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Herrera began his football journey at UD Las Palmas’ academy. He has since honed his talent at various clubs across Spain, Israel, and India, establishing himself as a versatile and dynamic presence in the midfield.
Herrera’s career includes notable stints with UD Las Palmas in La Liga, Real Valladolid in the Segunda Division, and Hyderabad FC in the ISL, where he played a key role in helping his team finish as runners-up in the race for the 2022–23 ISL Shield. He also represented East Bengal FC in the Durand Cup 2023, the first half of the Indian Super League 2023–24 season, and in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, where they emerged champions.
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Since joining FC Goa on loan from the Red and Gold Brigade in the second half of last season, Herrera has played a crucial role in the team securing a third-place finish in the ISL League Stage and advancing to the semi-finals of the ISL Cup playoffs. Overall, he has registered 63 appearances since arriving in India, with eight goals and 15 assists to his name.
Herrera expressed his excitement about the permanent move, stating, “I am very happy to be able to extend my association with FC Goa. It was my only wish since the end of the previous season.”
“From the first moment I arrived, everyone at the club, the team, and the fans treated me in an incredible way. I have a thorn from last season’s ISL Cup playoff semi-finals that I have to get rid of,” he continued.
“I’m sure it will be a great year, and we’ll work hard to make everyone proud and happy,” he added.
Manolo Marquez, head coach of FC Goa, added, “Borja Herrera’s return is by choice of the club, as much as it is of the player himself. He is an experienced player who knows the ISL perfectly. He can play in different positions, and his numbers in terms of statistics are always good. He is a specialist in set pieces.”
“To add to all of this, he is a very positive person who has a positive effect on the group in terms of mentality as well. Overall, he is one of the most complete players in the league,” he continued.
With Borja Herrera’s signing, it can also be noted that the Men in Orange have completed their foreign contingent for the season. The Spaniard will link up with Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, and new arrivals Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Dražić, and Armando Sadiku at the club.
