Chennaiyin FC have taken another significant step in reshaping their squad for the upcoming Indian Super League season by completing the signing of Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera.
The Madrid-born playmaker has penned a deal until the end of the season, becoming the Marina Machans’ second new recruit after the recent arrival of Indian attacker Imran Khan.
Noguera’s signing brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence and proven pedigree into Chennaiyin’s midfield. With nearly 400 professional appearances across multiple leagues in Europe and Asia, the 35-year-old arrives not just as a familiar face in Indian football, but as one of the most accomplished foreign midfielders to have played in the ISL. Over the course of his career, he has lifted major honours including the Indian Super League title, the ISL Cup and the Durand Cup, making him a serial winner at the domestic level.
For Chennaiyin, who are looking to re-establish themselves as a consistent force after a difficult couple of seasons, Noguera’s profile fits perfectly into head coach Clifford Miranda’s plans. Comfortable operating as a central midfielder, advanced playmaker or even in wider attacking roles, the Spaniard adds control, creativity and tactical discipline to a side that has often struggled to dictate the tempo of games in recent campaigns.
Noguera’s strengths lie not in raw pace or physicality, but in his footballing brain. His ability to find space between the lines, play incisive forward passes, and retain possession under pressure has made him a valuable asset across every league he has featured in. In the ISL, where tight midfields and transitions often decide matches, those attributes are especially prized.
Speaking after completing his move to Chennaiyin, Noguera expressed both relief and optimism about the new chapter in his career. “I’m really happy and excited as I look ahead to the new season after everything that has happened. I’ve already worked with the head coach and know many of the players, which gives me a lot of confidence heading into this new chapter. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopeful for a strong season ahead. It won’t be easy, but despite all the issues the ISL has gone through, I’m confident that we’ll give our best and work hard to deliver good performances.”
Born in Madrid, Noguera’s footballing journey began in Spain’s competitive youth system. He came through the ranks at Getafe and SS Reyes before earning a move to Atlético Madrid, one of Europe’s most demanding environments. After progressing through Atlético’s reserve team, he made his first-team debut during the 2010–11 season, an early marker of his technical quality and tactical understanding.
What followed was a career shaped by adaptability. Noguera went on to experience football in England and Azerbaijan before returning to Spain in 2014, where he became a reliable figure across the Segunda División and Segunda B, Spain’s second and third tiers. Those years honed his game management skills, positioning and ability to influence matches even without being the focal point of the attack.
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His move to India in 2020 proved to be another successful chapter. Over five ISL seasons across three clubs, Noguera has amassed more than 90 league appearances, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists. Those numbers only tell part of the story. His true value has been in how he knits teams together offering an outlet under pressure, calming the tempo when required, and providing a creative spark in the final third.
Chennaiyin head coach Clifford Miranda made no secret of how highly he rates the Spaniard. “In Noguera, we are getting quality and consistency. His calmness and control in the middle will help give the team stability. He is someone who has been around for a long time and is very familiar with ISL. He has a very good rapport with the players, encouraging and pushing them,” Miranda said.
That rapport could be crucial. Chennaiyin have assembled a mix of youth and experience this season, and Noguera’s leadership even without wearing the captain’s armband is expected to be invaluable on the training ground and during high-pressure moments in matches.
The Spaniard’s arrival also signals a clear intent from the Marina Machans’ management. After securing Imran Khan earlier this week to bolster the Indian core, Chennaiyin have now added a foreign signing who can immediately improve the team’s tactical balance. Together, the two signings address two key areas: depth on the wings and creativity through the middle.
As the ISL continues to evolve into a more competitive and tactically demanding league, players like Noguera become even more important. His understanding of Indian football, combined with European training and experience, gives Chennaiyin a player who can bridge systems, manage games and guide younger teammates through the rigours of a long season.
Noguera is expected to link up with the Chennaiyin squad in the coming days as pre-season preparations gather pace. With the Marina Machans rebuilding under Clifford Miranda, the Spaniard’s arrival could prove to be one of the most influential moves of their 2025–26 campaign a steady hand in midfield for a club eager to rediscover its identity and ambition.
