21-year-old centre-back is all set to complete his move to FC Goa. The young sensation, who was a part of India U17’s World Cup squad in 2017, has been in prolific form in the I-League for Delhi FC last season and has attracted the attention of the Indian Super League instantly.
Unfortunately for Ali he won’t be able to join the club until January as the transfer window is currently closed. He impressed in the qualifiers, scoring four goals in seven games, earning him attention from the good and great of Indian football.
FC Goa’s official Twitter handle announced that he joined their bio bubble ahead of the side, and has begun his training sessions. Lanky and pacy centre-back, is commonly regarded as capable of winning aerial duels and covers great distance in a game.
Despite being one of the most talented and recognized names among young Indian footballers, the struggle to reach the top included plenty of drama for Ali. He has been in the news for a while, struggling with a rare medical condition, but AIFF gave him the green light to play at the professional level.
Ali was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called Apical Hypercardio Myopathy, which got him barred from playing football in 2019. The defender remained perseverant to resume at the highest level, and upon multiple consultations and realizing the risk the player himself is putting under, he was back in August 2021 and is under regular medical surveillance.
He was previously employed with Mumbai City FC in the Super League, and that contract was terminated upon knowing his medical condition. He later joined Mohammedan in the I-League, but was prevented from playing. He took to court and made a point that AIFF cannot snatch his livelihood away and in return to scrapping his ban, he was asked to provide an affidavit claiming full responsibility.
FC Goa have made some stellar signings in the transfer window and rearing for the season to start. They kick-start their 2021/22 campaign with a game against Mumbai City on November 22.
