PETALING JAYA: The second transfer window of the Super League officially closed on Monday with reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), as expected, being the biggest movers.
The Southern Tigers made several high-profile foreign signings to reinforce their push on multiple fronts.
Having already secured the Charity Shield and FA Cup, JDT are eyeing a historic 12th straight league title, while also targeting the Malaysia Cup.
Beyond domestic dominance, JDT are determined to mount a serious challenge in the AFC Champions League Elite as well as the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup.
An early-season hamstring injury to star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi prompted the club to act decisively, bringing in Brazilian wide players Yago Da Silva and Marcos Guilherme to boost their attacking options.
Portuguese midfielder Rui Nene was added to provide composure and control in the middle of the park, while Syamer Kutty Abba was recalled from his loan spell at Kuala Lumpur to add further depth.
“In JDT, we are blessed with depth, and with the number of competitions we are involved in, we need energy and power from all our players,” said coach Xisco Munoz.
“When Arif got injured – one of our best players – we needed more options on the flanks. I’m happy with the recruitment we’ve done.”
Last season’s runners-up Selangor were also active, as new coach Kim Pan-gon began reshaping the Red Giant.
Defensive solidity was a priority, with African defenders Mahame Siby and Mamadou Diarra brought in to shore up the back line.
The South Korean tactician also leaned on familiar connections, recruiting midfielders Kim Ji-ho and Jeon Seung-min from his homeland to inject pace, energy and control into the engine room.
