FC Goa has bolstered their midfield for the upcoming 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season with the signing of Serbian winger Dejan Drazic. The 28-year-old joins the Gaurs on a two-year deal, marking the club’s first-ever signing from Serbia.
A Well-Travelled Midfielder
Drazic brings a wealth of experience to FC Goa, having played professionally across Europe and Asia. Born in Sombor, Serbia, he began his career with FK Teleoptik before progressing through the youth ranks of giants Partizan Belgrade. His professional debut came in 2013 with Serbian SuperLiga club OFK Beograd, where he quickly made an impact by scoring his first league goal within a month.
Seeking new challenges, Drazic embarked on a journey that took him to Spain’s La Liga with Celta de Vigo, followed by a loan stint at Real Valladolid in the Segunda Division. He continued his adventure in Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava, where he enjoyed significant success, winning the league title twice (2018-19 and 2020-21) and featuring regularly in European competitions like the UEFA Europa League and Conference League.
Drazic’s career path further included stints with Poland’s Zaglebie Lubin, Hungary’s Budapest Honved FC, Turkish outfit Bodrum FK, and Serbian club FK Radnik. Most recently, he had a productive season with Ethnikos Achna FC in the Cypriot First Division League, notching six goals and 14 assists in 39 appearances.
Drazic has also represented Serbia at various youth levels, including the U19 team at the 2014 UEFA Under-19 Championship and appearances with the U20 and U21 squads. He boasts an impressive overall record of 326 appearances, 54 goals, and 48 assists throughout his professional career.
Excitement from Both Sides
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his enthusiasm about Drazic’s arrival. “We’re elated to welcome Dejan to FC Goa,” Marquez said. “He is a very talented player, technically brilliant with fine dribbling abilities and a very good final pass.” The coach highlighted Drazic’s versatility, his ability to play as both a winger and an attacking midfielder, and his experience playing in different countries, which will aid his adaptation to Indian football.
Drazic echoed the excitement, expressing his eagerness for a new challenge. “I heard the best things about the Indian Super League from my friends from Serbia who played here,” he said. He praised FC Goa’s reputation as a well-organized club and looks forward to justifying the team’s trust in him. Drazic sets his sights on contributing to the club’s success, aiming to contend for both the league and cup titles while showcasing his individual skills.
Drazic becomes FC Goa’s fourth confirmed foreign signing for the upcoming season, joining Carl McHugh, Odei Onaindia (whose contract was recently extended), and Iker Guarrotxena, who returns after a successful debut campaign in 2022-23. The addition of Drazic strengthens FC Goa’s midfield and adds a player with a proven track record of attacking prowess. Fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the ISL and contributes to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
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