Hyderabad FC, the champions of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season, have taken a significant step in reinforcing their squad for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign by securing the services of Japanese winger Cy Goddard. The club is currently finalizing the administrative formalities, including the visa process, to bring the 23-year-old to Hyderabad ahead of the new season.
Goddard’s arrival marks a strategic move by Hyderabad FC’s new management under the BC Jindal Group, which has been actively involved in bolstering the squad. A source closely monitoring the transfer developments told Khel Now, “Head coach Thangboi Singto highly rates Cy Goddard, and the new management ensured they signed Goddard quickly, as there were other clubs in talks with the winger.”
Goddard’s career trajectory has been impressive. A product of the renowned Tottenham Hotspur academy, Goddard spent nearly a decade honing his skills in England. He joined Spurs as a 9-year-old and advanced through the ranks to make 16 appearances in the Premier League 2 during the 2016-17 season.
In 2018, Goddard made a bold move to Italy, signing with Benevento Calcio on a three-year contract. He made his senior debut against Spezia, showing his potential in European football. However, it was in India where Goddard truly made his mark.
He joined Mumbai City FC on a year-long loan during the 2020-21 ISL season, playing a crucial role in the club’s remarkable league and championship double. His 19 appearances for Mumbai City FC solidified his reputation as a dynamic midfielder capable of influencing games with his skill and creativity.
Following his success in India, Goddard moved to Australia, where he signed a two-year deal with A-League side Central Coast Mariners starting from the 2021-22 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut against the Newcastle Jets and helping his team to a 2-1 victory. His next adventure took him to the United States, where he joined USL Championship side Detroit City in 2022.
Goddard’s return to Indian football came in 2023 when he signed for Odisha FC, where he made 26 appearances, including eight in the AFC Cup, before making his move to Hyderabad FC.
Hyderabad FC’s approach to the upcoming season has been calculated but deliberate. The club, under its new ownership, has been relatively quiet in the transfer market compared to some of its rivals. This inactivity was evident when Hyderabad FC withdrew from the 2024 Durand Cup, citing their inability to assemble a competitive squad in time.
However, recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity. On transfer deadline day, the Nizams secured the signatures of six Indian players: Sourav K, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ayush Adhikari, Devendra Murgaonkar, Parag Shrivas, and Leander D’Cunha. These additions, combined with the signing of Goddard, suggest that Hyderabad FC is now focused on constructing a squad capable of competing at the highest level once again.
As the club continues to work on finalizing further deals, the anticipation among fans is building. The arrival of a player like Cy Goddard, with his international experience and proven track record in the ISL, is sure to boost the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. With the new management’s backing, Hyderabad FC is poised to make a strong push in the ISL 2024-25 season, aiming to replicate the success of their championship-winning campaign two years ago
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