Young keeper Sikh Izhan bound for trials in Spain

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor young goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman (pic) left for Spain to try his luck with a La Liga 2 club.

Urban Bash Sports Sdn Bhd director of operations Faliq Firdaus said they had been in contact with the second division club Fuenlabrada in July. The club voiced their interest and want the 19-year-old national Under-22 player to attend trials. Sikh Izhan left for Spain yesterday.

“It is our responsibility to find the best club for him.

“Since this year we have been approaching several clubs and our partners there to explore opportunities for him to play abroad.

“The opportunity arose in July when Fuenlabrada sent a letter showing interest,” said Faliq, adding that he will accompany Sikh Izhan while in Spain.

Urban Bash Sports Sdn Bhd is a local company that focuses on sports marketing and athlete management.

Sikh Izhan started to make a name for himself in the Malaysian League with Selangor II in the 2020 season before being absorbed into the Red Giants’ main squad ahead of the 2021 Super League.

Sikh Izhan made his first appearance with them in a 4-2 win over Kedah in the Super League last August.

He was drafted into the national Under-22 squad helmed by coach Brad Maloney and the team secured a ticket to the finals of the 2022 Asian Under-23 Cup recently.

“This is something important to Izhan. At the moment the focus is to make sure there is an offer for him, not a contract, because he is still a Selangor player.

“We are working closely with Selangor and are interested to see how both parties can benefit from this, such as a loan or attachment deal,” added Faliq. — Bernama