Hyderabad FC Strengthens Squad with Serbian Defender Stefan Sapic Amid Financial Revival

Hyderabad FC has made another major signing for the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, bringing in Serbian defender Stefan Sapic. This comes as a significant boost for the Nizams, who were on the verge of collapse due to financial instability but were saved by a takeover from the B.C. Jindal group. 

The acquisition has provided the club with much-needed financial stability, allowing them to bolster their squad despite early setbacks.

Sapic, a 27-year-old centre-back, joins Hyderabad FC on a multi-year deal, having passed all medical tests and completed formalities. The club is now working to finalize his visa so he can join the squad, which is already in action for the current ISL season. 

Sapic comes with a strong football pedigree, having captained the U-19 team of FC Cuckariki to the Serbian Youth League title in 2015-16. He also played a key role in helping the team qualify for the UEFA Youth League the following year. His senior career includes appearances in the Serbian Super Liga, the Serbian Cup, and European competitions such as the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League.

Hyderabad FC, which had struggled to make signings due to a FIFA and AIFF transfer ban, found a way to work around the restrictions by bringing in eight Indian free agents. Five of these players terminated their contracts with their previous clubs to join manager Thangboi Singto’s new project. 

The club’s lack of activity in the early part of the transfer window, combined with their withdrawal from the 2024 Durand Cup, left fans uncertain about the team’s future. However, the financial boost from the new ownership has revived their prospects.

In addition to Sapic, the Nizams have been active in signing foreign talent. The first to join was Cy Goddard, a former Odisha FC winger. This was followed by the signing of Brazilian striker Allan Paulista, who previously played for Chinese League One side HLJ Ice City. Both are expected to play crucial roles in the upcoming season.

On the domestic front, Hyderabad secured the signatures of several Indian players, including Sourav K, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ayush Adhikari, and veteran midfielder Lenny Rodrigues. The club also brought in goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from FC Goa, adding depth to their squad.

With these new signings, Hyderabad FC aims to climb back into contention for the ISL title despite the rocky start to their season.