Goa signs Australian defender Dylan Fox from NorthEast United

On the transfer deadline day, Goa has signed Australian defender Dylan Fox from NorthEast United on a one-year deal until the end of the 2021-22 Indian Super League season.

After signing for the Gaurs, Fox said,

“I am thrilled at having completed the signing. FC Goa was in touch ever since last season was over and it was a move both of us wanted. Last season, I grew to appreciate the kind of football they play and I really wanted to be part of the team. And that was a feeling that was reciprocated. I can’t wait to get started.”

The Gaurs paid a fee of 40,000 US dollars (equating to Rs. 30 Lakhs in Indian currency) to NorthEast United to acquire the services of the Australian defender. Fox agreed to the release clause if he joined another club in the ISL before putting pen to paper with the Highlanders prior to the start of the 2019-20 ISL season.

According to the contract, Fox’s services will be retained by NorthEast United if the defender makes more than 16 appearances and the club loses less than 7 matches in the 2019-20 ISL league season. The 27-year old ended up making 19 league appearances and the Highlanders lost only 3 of their 20 matches resulting in Goa paying a transfer fee for their second new overseas signing of the transfer window.

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Born in Northern Ireland, Fox spent most of his life in Australia and signed his first professional contract down under as well with Sutherland Sharks. After just 2 appearances for the Sharks, Fox was signed by Bonnyrigg White Eagles, and the defender made 43 appearances for the Eagles before being snapped up by A-League side Wellington Pheonix.

In his four-season stay with the Wellington-based club, Fox made 38 appearances for the senior team and often played for the reserves as well. In the 2017-18 season, the defender won the Players’ Player of the season at the club and finished second in the running for Player of the Season at the club.

Since then, he has represented Central Coast Mariners in the A-League for a solitary season before landing up on Indian shores to play professional football in the country.

FC Goa Director of Football Ravi Puskur welcomed the club’s latest signing and talked up his knowledge and experience of the ISL.

He said,

“We’re pleased to bring Dylan on board. He was a very instrumental player in NorthEast United’s campaign last year and we will he fit be a good fit in our system as well. His knowledge, experience of the league is an added benefit and we expect him to settle into the team in no time.”