Panaji: Chennaiyin FC have confirmed the signing of Brison Fernandes, who the former Indian Super League (ISL) champions hailed as “one of the country’s brightest attacking talents.”The star winger rose through the ranks at FC Goa where he first arrived as a 15-year-old. Since then, he has steadily proved that he is among the best players in the country, giving a wonderful account of himself in the 2024-25 season when he won the ISL Emerging Player award.The winger was handed his senior team debut by Derrick Pereira in 2021. Carlos Pena also took a liking to Brison’s attacking play, but it was under Manolo Marquez that he flowered into a bright prospect, even making it to the national team.At Chennaiyin, Brison, 25, will reunite with coach Clifford Miranda who managed him with the Goa developmental team.“I am very happy and excited to join my new team and can’t wait to meet the fans,” Brison said on Friday. “It’s a privilege to represent a club with such a rich legacy, and I’m looking forward to wearing these colours with pride. I’m ready to give my all for the badge and can’t wait to get started.”Chennaiyin co-owner Vita Dani said the club was delighted to welcome one of the most exciting young Indian players in the country today. “His ambition, quality and hunger to improve align perfectly with the vision we have for the club. We believe he has all the attributes to make a significant impact and are excited to see him begin this journey in our colours,” she said.Meanwhile, FC Goa have bid goodbye to three players, which includes Spanish defender Pol Moreno, right-back Boris Singh – who is headed to East Bengal – and midfielder Sahil Tavora.“The day I didn’t think would arrive has come to finally bid farewell to my home team, FC Goa,” Tavora said in a social media post. “Two years ago, I returned with the clear objective of giving absolutely everything each day along with my teammates, to win trophies and put this club back at the top of Indian football, and playing again at the Asian level.“Along with an incredible coaching and support staff we built a family-like group that fought together and managed to achieve good things – two trophies, back-to-back Asian qualifications and of course, the highlight being that special night at Fatorda vs Al Nassr that will live on forever. To play a small part in this chapter was a complete privilege and honour for me.”The midfielder said he played his best football in the last two years while enjoying every second because of the connection to the team as a local boy.
