Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), Mumbai City FC announced the signing of Indian international Brandon Fernandes on a free transfer, the club announced through their social media handle on Saturday.
The creative midfielder, who will don the number 10 jersey, joins the defending ISL Cup winners on a three-year contract, with a trigger to extend by a further season.
The 29-year-old, who made his professional debut over a decade ago, and had a brief stint with the Islanders in 2015, boasts an impressive track record. He has previously won the ISL League Winners’ Shield (2019-20), the Super Cup (2019), and the Durand Cup (2021) with FC Goa. Throughout his career, he has made 163 appearances across Indian domestic tournaments and the AFC Champions League, scoring 25 goals and providing 31 assists.
Also Read: Brandon Fernandes part ways with FC Goa
Last season, Brandon scored 3 goals and made 4 assists, one goal coming against Mumbai City FC in the ISL semi-final. Notably, he created the most chances (60) in the ISL last season. In National team colours, he has played 25 games, contributing 7 assists.
Brandon Fernandes said, “I am delighted to return to Mumbai City FC. It is one of the top clubs in Indian football, and it represents a new and exciting challenge for me in my career. The team has been performing brilliantly over the last few years, and I am thrilled to join such a talented squad. I am eager to contribute by scoring goals and assisting my teammates in the upcoming season as we strive to secure more silverware.”
“Moreover, I have had extensive discussions with coach Petr Kratky, and his vision and plans for the team demonstrate a lot of ambition. His confidence in my abilities is incredibly motivating, and I am determined to repay his faith through my performances on the pitch. I am looking forward to working under his guidance and making a significant impact for Mumbai City FC,” he added.
Petr Kratky – Head Coach, Mumbai City FC said, “Brandon is a dynamic midfielder whose performances last season truly stood out. His technical skills, vision, and relentless dedication on the field will undoubtedly add a new dimension to our squad and elevate our overall set-up. I am eagerly anticipating his arrival and the success he will bring to the team. As an attacking and creative player, Brandon perfectly embodies our football philosophy of dynamic and forward-thinking play.”
“His ability to read the game, create opportunities, and drive the team forward aligns seamlessly with our strategic goals. We are confident that he will become an integral part of our squad, and we look forward to seeing him flourish with us,” he added.
Kandarp Chandra – CEO, Mumbai City FC said, “Brandon Fernandes has been one of the brightest footballers in India over the last few years, and I am delighted to welcome him back to Mumbai City FC. His energy and skill on the pitch are exactly what our team needs, and we are eager to witness the incredible moments he will create for our club. I have no doubt that Brandon will quickly become a fan favourite, captivating our supporters with his dynamic play. We are very excited about this signing and the impact Brandon will have on our success.”
