FC Goa Sign Midfielder Hoabam Tomba Singh on Three-Year Deal Ahead of ISL 2026-27 Season

FC Goa have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season by signing promising midfielder Hoabam Tomba Singh from Inter Kashi on a three-year contract.

The move marks FC Goa's first Indian signing of the summer transfer window and signals the club's intent to build a balanced squad under new head coach Gouramangi Singh, who takes charge following the departure of Manolo Marquez.

Tomba arrives after three productive seasons with Inter Kashi, where he established himself as one of the most dependable midfielders in the I-League. The Manipur-born midfielder played a pivotal role in the club's success and now earns the opportunity to test himself at the highest level of Indian club football.

The transfer is the latest milestone in Tomba's steady rise through Indian football.

During his three-year spell at Inter Kashi, the midfielder made 55 appearances, becoming an integral part of the team's midfield setup. His performances were particularly influential during the 2024-25 I-League season, when Inter Kashi lifted the league title and secured promotion into the country's top tier. His consistency, composure in possession and work rate made him one of the standout performers in the league, attracting attention from several ISL clubs.

Last season, Tomba continued his development under experienced coach Antonio Habas, featuring in 15 matches. Habas, known for his tactical discipline and success in Indian football, was full of praise for the midfielder, describing him as the best midfielder in the league.

Such endorsements only strengthened Tomba's growing reputation and made his move to FC Goa one of the more notable domestic transfers ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking after completing the transfer, Tomba expressed his excitement about joining one of India's most ambitious football clubs. He described the move as a major opportunity to continue his growth as a footballer while competing at the highest level.

"I'm delighted to join FC Goa. It's a great opportunity to be part of such an ambitious club, and I'm looking forward to learning, improving, and giving my best for the team. I can't wait to get started and meet the fans," Tomba said in the club's official announcement.

For the 23-year-old midfielder, the transfer represents an important step in his career as he prepares to compete regularly against some of the strongest domestic and international talent in the Indian Super League.

FC Goa enter the upcoming season with significant changes both on and off the pitch. After winning back-to-back Super Cup titles under Manolo Marquez, the club decided to part ways with the Spanish coach at the end of the previous campaign. Former India international Gouramangi Singh has now been entrusted with leading the Gaurs into a new chapter.

The appointment signals the club's commitment to building a squad capable of competing for silverware while also investing in promising Indian talent. Gouramangi welcomed the arrival of Tomba and believes the midfielder possesses the qualities required to thrive at FC Goa. "Tomba is a hardworking player who has a lot of potential and is always eager to learn and improve," Gouramangi said.

"He has shown good maturity for his age, and we believe he has the qualities to make a positive impact. We're excited to work with him and help him continue his development."

The endorsement reflects the coaching staff's confidence that Tomba can become an important part of Goa's midfield in the coming seasons.

Tomba becomes the first Indian player signed by FC Goa during the current transfer window. The club has already strengthened its squad with several overseas acquisitions, including Chiki, Álex Zalaya, Franchu, and Alex Vallejo, as preparations continue for the 2026-27 campaign. The addition of Tomba brings valuable domestic depth, an increasingly important factor under ISL squad regulations that encourage the development and utilisation of Indian players.

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His versatility in midfield, combined with his defensive work rate and ability to dictate possession, provides Gouramangi with another reliable option in the centre of the pitch.

For Tomba, joining FC Goa offers the chance to showcase his talent on a much bigger stage. The ISL provides greater exposure, stronger competition and the opportunity to play alongside experienced international footballers. Having already demonstrated his ability in the I-League, the midfielder now faces the challenge of adapting to the faster tempo and higher tactical demands of India's premier football competition.

His performances at FC Goa could also strengthen his chances of attracting attention from the national team selectors in the future. With Indian football placing increasing emphasis on identifying young midfield talent, regular performances in the ISL could open new doors for the Manipur-born footballer.

FC Goa have consistently been among the Indian Super League's most competitive clubs, combining an attractive style of football with a strong emphasis on player development. The signing of Hoabam Tomba Singh aligns perfectly with that philosophy.

Rather than focusing solely on established stars, the club has invested in a player entering the prime years of his career, someone capable of contributing immediately while also developing further under experienced coaching.

As preseason preparations gather momentum, expectations will once again be high for FC Goa.

With a new head coach, several new signings and renewed ambitions, the Gaurs are aiming to challenge for domestic honours once again. For Tomba, the move represents not only the biggest opportunity of his career but also the chance to establish himself as one of the leading Indian midfielders in the ISL.