ISL 2017: Delhi Dynamos FC turn down approach from ex-La Liga goalkeeper Xabi Irureta

What's the story?

The Delhi Dynamos have not had the best of starts to the new ISL season, sitting at the bottom of the standings after winning just one match out of six and failing to register a point in the remaining five games.

Earlier reports suggested that the side from the national capital were close to signing Spanish goalkeeper Xabi Irureta, who has played for the likes of Eibar and Real Zaragoza.

However, an official from the team confirmed to Sportskeeda that a request was made from the player's side, who is currently a free agent and is on the lookout for a club. The official also stated that the Delhi side ended their interest in the player and that they are not looking to sign him.

In case you didn't know

A major blow was dealt to their chances earlier in the season after first-choice goalkeeper Albino Gomes was ruled out for multiple weeks and since then, speculation has been rife about who the club will sign as a replacement, given that the backup keepers have not been up to the mark and that they have a slot for a foreign player in the squad still open.

The heart of the matter

Irueta is a highly-experienced goalkeeper, having recorded over 200 appearances for Spanish side Eibar and was part of their team when they gained promotion to the top division in the 2014-15 season.

He then joined Real Zaragoza in 2016 as a free agent, making 17 appearances for them in the Segunda Division. In September this year, he cancelled his contract with the club.

What's next?

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how each team, especially the Dynamos, will reinforce their squad.

Author's take

With La Liga experience and a host of appearances under his belt, signing the 31-year-old would have been a major coup for Delhi. It will certainly be fascinating to see how the club will now approach the upcoming transfer window.