ISL 2022-23: FC Goa rope in Noah Sadaoui; Ivan Kaliuzhnyi joins Kerala Blasters FC

FC Goa has acquired the services of Noah Sadaoui ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23, the club announced the news on its social media handle on Tuesday. The Moroccan international has put pen to paper on a two-year deal and will stay at the club till the end of the 2024 edition.

Sadaoui is pleased to start a new chapter in his football career and expressed his delight after joining the club.

“I’m pleased to begin the next phase of my career with FC Goa. The Club are not new to me, we’ve been speaking to each other for nearly two years now, and I’ve used this time to follow them and their performances in the Indian Super League, Durand Cup and so on,” Sadaoui said to fcgoa.in after signing on the dotted line.

“What really got me wanting to sign with FC Goa was their hunger to win matches and trophies. It was quite evident in the videos of the team playing that I watched. Later, I spoke to the head coach (Carlos Pena) and he made me feel welcome.

Sadaoui revealed he had offers from other clubs but head coach Carlos Pena made it simpler for him to join hands with the Gaurs.

“I had offers from clubs in other countries as well, but when the coach himself had a chat with me and made it clear that he believes in my abilities, it gave me the confidence to decide that I’m joining them,” he further added.

Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football said after the appointment, “Noah is another product of the extensive scouting work we do throughout the years. He’s somebody we were very interested in a few years ago and have always maintained that interest. This year, when the opportunity opened up, we pushed hard to ensure we got him on board.

“Noah’s an x-factor player who is more than capable of the unpredictable and can play anywhere across the front line. He has a natural eye for goal and his movements to create space will make him a real handful for defenders this year. With Noah’s arrival adding to that of Alvaro and Iker, we have a truly dynamic front line that has the capacity to excite our fans.”

Noah is FC Goa’s fourth overseas signing after Alvaro Vazquez, Fares Arnaout, and Iker Guarrotxena.

On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC has signed the services of Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi ahead of the new season, the club announced on its social media platform, on Tuesday.

Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said “I would like to congratulate Ivan for joining our club and express my big happiness that we finally were able to bring him to Kerala. This quality player will be a good reinforcement for our team. I hope Ivan will adapt quickly and showcase all the qualities we know he possesses to excel here.”

“I am excited to join the biggest club in India and very much looking forward to my new challenge. I am beyond excited to meet the famous yellow army and give my all for them and the club ” said an excited Ivan Kaliuzhnyi