ISL 2020-21: FC Goa announce Glan Martins signing from ATK Mohun Bagan

FC Goa have on Tuesday confirmed the arrival of midfielder Glan Martins on loan from ATK Mohun Bagan for the rest of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season. The tough tackler has been roped in to replace Lenny Rodrigues who has parted ways with the club mutually and joined the Kolkata giants on a reported 18-month deal.

https://twitter.com/atkmohunbaganfc/status/1356197088300851200

The latest shakeup in both the teams’ squads is indicative of where each head coach feels they are lacking. While the Mariners have been defensively consistent this season, there were claims that they lacked creativity down the middle. Finding a dependable Indian midfielder who can recycle possession alongside Javi Hernandez or Edu Garcia also seemed to be one of Antonio Habas’ priorities. With the signings of Marcelinho and Lenny, both of those areas have been covered. The 33-year-old has featured 51 times in the ISL for Goa, making one assist and scoring twice. He also played a crucial role in their 2019 Super Cup victory and their top-of-the-table finish in the group stages of last season. This will be his second spell at Bagan following a 6-month stint in 2016.

https://twitter.com/FCGoaOfficial/status/1356490332498628609

For Juan Ferrando’s side, they will be looking to push on now and put pressure on Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan above them. It seems like the Spaniard was looking for someone who can bring a little more dynamism in a midfield that has a lot of technical quality and the signing of Martins therefore makes sense. He is still only 26, is a local lad and is suited to their pass-and-move playing style. Moreover, the former Churchill Brothers midfielder has had just 224 minutes with the Mariners this term and will be raring to go at his new club. With young Indian midfielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam also reportedly close to a move to the Gaurs, it looks like the club wants to up the ante in the final few games.