Exclusive ISL Transfer News : Laxmikant Kattimani to extend Hyderabad FC, FC Goa sign Syrian Defender Fares Arnaout

In the latest Exclusive ISL Transfer News, ISL veteran Laxmikant Kattimani extends his Hyderabad FC stay. While FC Goa signed defender Fares Arnaout.

ISL veteran goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani extends his stay at Hyderabad FC

Laxmikant Kattimani has signed a two-year contract extension with Indian Super League (ISL) champion Hyderabad FC. The 33-year-old had a fairy tale ending to the ISL 2021-22 campaign, where he was also the Hero of the Match in the final.

He was almost unbeatable in the penalty shoot-out that eventually won Hyderabad their first-ever trophy.

Kattimani saved four Blasters' penalties, one of which had to be retaken, and stepped up right when the team needed him. But long before, he established himself as a trusted custodian for Manolo Marquez as he featured in 22 matches for Hyderabad FC and had a save percentage of 72.61.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract here and I am really grateful to the club for their trust in me. We have an incredible group here. We are one big family and I'm sure together we can achieve many more things," said Kattimani after putting pen to paper with the ISL Champions in a deal till the end of the 2023-24 season.

The Spanish coach preferred Kattimani, and the Goan believes that this trust is what made it easy for him to sign the new deal.

Exclusive ISL Transfer News: FC Goa sign Syrian defender Fares Arnaout

FC Goa have completed the permanent signing of Syrian international centre-back Fares Arnaout on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old becomes the Club's third new arrival this off-season, following hot on the heels of Alvaro Vazquez and Arshdeep Singh.

This, though, won't be his first visit to India. The defender was part of the Syrian squad that played in the 2019 Hero Intercontinental Cup where he started against India in a 1-1 draw.

Speaking to fcgoa.in following the completion of all formalities Arnaout said, "I am thrilled at the prospect of playing for FC Goa. It's a big challenge for me - to come to India and show people what I am all about and I'm already excited thinking about the start of the new season.

FC Goa's Director of Football, Ravi Puskur also expressed delight at having secured the signing. He said, "We're very pleased to have brought Fares on board. We cast our net far and wide this season with the Asian player and when Fares' profile was sent across, there were unanimous agreement in getting him on board.

He's comfortable on the ball, robust in his style of play and will be an ideal complement to the skills of the other players we have on our books. His recent successes at the continental level and capped at the senior level by his country only further strengthens the decision behind signing him."