PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have added more wind beneath their wings after snapping up Spanish flanker Samu Castillejo (pic) as they target a memorable run in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite.
The 30-year-old Castillejo, who last played for Serie B club Sassuolo, has joined the Southern Tigers as a free agent. His presence will further boost the wingers department, which also possess the likes of Arif Aiman Hanapi and another Spaniard Jonathan Vieira.
Castillejo’s signing is certainly a good catch for JDT as he comes with impressive credentials.
He has played 324 games in La Liga and Serie A, winning the Italian League title with AC Milan in the 2021-2022 season, where he got to play alongside Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Italian international midfielder Sandro Tonali and France’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud.
JDT coach Hector Bidoglio said Castillejo’s signing is a reflection of the club’s ambition.
“We are a growing club and every year, we want to get better and we see our outing in the Champions League as a way to signify our growth,” said the Venezuelan.
‘’We seek more dynamism and depth in the team, and Samu’s signing signals our intention to go far in the competition.’’
Besides having Castillejo and Vieira to strenghten their challenge in the Champions League, JDT have also roped in Brazilian defensive midfielder Anselmo Moraes, Spanish midfielder Roque Mesa and centreback Alvaro Gonzalez.
JDT finished third in the league stage, collecting 14 points from seven matches to book a last-16 spot where they will take on Thai club Buriram United.
The first-leg will be held at the Chang Arena on March 4, and the second at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on March 11.
The quarter-final stage will be contested in single matches which will be played in Saudi Arabia.
Castillejo will not play in domestic competitions as the last registration date for new players was in October last year.
