PETALING JAYA: Kuching City have widened their attacking options in the transfer window by signing Australian forward Dylan Wenzel-Halls from Penang in a deal seen as a coup for the Borneo outfit.
The 28-year-old arrives on the back of two standout seasons with the Panthers, where he made 56 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists.
His form had drawn interest from clubs across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Wenzel-Halls, however, opted to join the Cats, drawn by the chance to compete on the continental stage and be part of the project being built by Singaporean coach Aidil Sharin.
"I’m delighted to have signed for Kuching City. I can’t wait to see everyone at Sarawak Stadium," said Wenzel-Halls.
"We have a huge season ahead, competing in the Super League, AFC Champions League Two, and the Shopee Cup (Asean Club Championships) against some of Asia’s best.
"I’m looking forward to seeing the fans soon — let’s make this a special season together!"
The forward also took time to bid farewell to his former club and their supporters.
"Thank you, Penang. What a journey these past two seasons have been," he said.
"To the fans, thank you for your incredible support, passion, and belief in me from day one.
"Penang will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time for a new challenge, but I’ll always be grateful for the memories we’ve shared together.”
Besides Wenzel-Halls, Kuching also announced the signing of national midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor.
They have retained four foreigners in Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa, Cameroonian strikers Ronald Ngah and Jerome Mpako Etame, Japanese centreback Yuki Tanigawa and Jordanian midfielder Ahmad Israiwah.
