JDT sign Marquez, looking to snap up another Argentine

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have recruited striker Fernando Marquez from Argentine top flight side Belgrano and could sign another Argentine before the transfer window closes tomorrow.

The reigning Super League champions have just reinforced their squad with French winger Harry Novillo and Brazilian forward Jorge Santos Silva when the transfer window reopened early last month.

But Novillo and Silva could now be on their way out after just three appearances following the arrival of Marquez and the second signing.

JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim dropped a bombshell on Tuesday in the team’s official Facebook page JOHOR Southern Tigers by saying the recent signings have “not been good enough” and will be replaced.

JDT interim head coach Raul Longhi has welcomed Marquez to the team.

“We would like to welcome JDT’s new foreign player from Argentina, Fernando Marquez, a Belgrano player who has been on loan to Defensa y Justicia in the Argentinian Superliga competition,” said Longhi in the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook.

“He is one of the top five goal scorers for the tough main league in Argentina and he will certainly help strengthen our attacking line-up,” he said.

Longhi added: “Another new JDT foreign player, also from Argentina will be shared by us to all fans soon.”

It’s not known, however, if Marquez will get straight into action when JDT face second-placed Perak in the top-of-the-table clash at the Larkin Stadium tonight.

A win for the four-time champions JDT will open up a nine-point lead at the top of the standings.

The league champions will qualify directly for the AFC Champions League group stage next season.