PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are already planning their assault for the 2024-2025 season after conquering all the domestic competitions this year.
Coach Esteban Solari confirmed yesterday that Argentinian midfielder Jalil Elias has joined them after passing a medical test.
The 27-year-old is expected to bolster their defensive midfield options and a long-term replacement for experienced Natxo Insa.
Elias had witnessed JDT’s 8-0 victory against Penang at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Saturday and had joined the team for their 10th title celebrations at their stadium.
Elias comes with strong credentials having played for sides like Newell’s Old Boys, Godoy Cruz and Union Santa Fe.
He had even been given the captaincy role with San Lorenzo before joining JDT.
“When I came here, Natxo was the top man but I wasn’t able to use him for 10 months. He is a top player but he wasn’t able to come back from his injuries. So we needed a man to compensate for him.
“And Jalil fits the bill, we needed a player like him in the middle. He will make us complete.”
Other players that are believed to have signed deals with JDT are Kuala Lumpur Colombian playmaker Romel Morales, who is set to be naturalised and Terengganu rightback Azam Azmi Murad.
It’s however, learnt that players like wingers Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid, striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli and centrebacks Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak and Adam Nor Azlin could be leaving the club.
Solari said it was up to the players to decide.
“Our director (Martin Prest) has to speak to these players. They want more minutes but it’s up to the players and management.
“We rotated many players. Arif Aiman is a top player now but he knows that he can also lose his spot, so we see top performances from him week in, week out. Others have to fight too.
“Akhyar can be game-changer and I like to keep him but it’s up to the player if they want to move.
Solari also hopes that Brazilian striker Heberty Fernandes can extend his stay with JDT, as his loan stint ends and will return to Bangkok United.
“Heberty is a top professional player. He is always at his 100 percent best. We hope he will stay on with us.”
JDT finished first in the league with 76 points from 26 matches. They scored a whopping 100 goals and conceded only seven.
“I didn’t expect it but I saw their potential, it’s an amazing achievement. It’s not easy for any team in the world to accomplish this task but JDT did it,” he said.
“We must find ways to grow together in 2024. We want to perform better than this year.”
