Transfer Round-Up: Clubs strengthen squads ahead of the new SPL season

With the new Singapore Premier League season fast approaching, clubs have wasted little time refreshing their squads as they look to build on last season’s performances or bounce back from difficult campaigns.

From marquee overseas arrivals to established Singapore internationals changing clubs, the transfer window has already produced plenty of eye-catching moves. Here’s a look at some of the standout business completed so far.

FC Jurong

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Lee JinwooKORKamatamare Sanuki
2Shunsuke OnoJPNOita Trinita
3Seo SeungwooKORGyeongju KHNP
4Yuma TsuzurabaraJPNSetagaya United
5Takuma YamaguchiJPNFree agent
6Seiya SatsukidaJPNTegevajaro Miyazaki
7Toa SuenagaJPNRenofa Yamaguchi
8Kim YoonsikKORFC Osaka
9Kodai DohiJPNFC Osaka
10Aloysius PangSGPTanjong Pagar United
11Andrew Aw YongSGPTampines Rovers
12Christopher van HuizenSGPLion City Sailors
13Akram AzmanSGPLion City Sailors
14Mizuki AndoJPNMito HollyHock

Formerly known as Albirex Niigata (S), FC Jurong narrowly missed out on an AFC Champions League Two berth after a spirited late-season charge last campaign.

The club has been active in the transfer market, with the headline acquisition being seasoned Singapore international Christopher van Huizen. The experienced full-back arrives from reigning champions Lion City Sailors and brings leadership, versatility and a wealth of top-flight experience to the squad.

Geylang International

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Kim TaeukPRKFC Jurong
2Yang HyeonjuKORFC Jurong
3Cho EunsuKORFC Jurong
4Naoki YoshiokaJPNFC Jurong
5Dejan RacicMNEBhayangkara FC
6Milos CupicSRBOne Taguig
7Anumanthan KumarSGPKanchanaburi Power
8Darren TehSGPBalestier Khalsa
9Harith KanadiSGPBalestier Khalsa
10Dylan PereiraSGPFC Jurong

After a disappointing mid-table finish last season, Geylang International responded decisively in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, the Eagles strengthened their squad by recruiting a quartet from FC Jurong – Kim Taeuk, Yang Hyeonju, Cho Eunsu and Naoki Yoshioka – while their marquee signing is undoubtedly Montenegrin striker Dejan Racic. No stranger to Singapore football fans after his prolific spell with Hougang United, netting 24 goals in 28 appearances, Geylang will be hoping that Racic can rediscover that same goalscoring touch in green.

Hougang United

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Arya IgamiJPNCebu FC
2Takahiro KogaJPNFC Jurong
3Koki KawachiJPNLaunceston City
4Ayman KassimiBELMVV Maastricht
5Sam BillingtonENGBala Town
6Zulqarnaen SuzlimanSGPLion City Sailors
7Amir SyafizSGPYoung Lions
8Khairin NadimSGPLion City Sailors

Following a promising start that ultimately gave way to a sixth-place finish, Hougang United is embarking on a significant squad rebuild.

Among their domestic acquisitions are Singapore international full-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman from Lion City Sailors, Young Lions captain Amir Syafiz and FC Jurong goalkeeper Takahiro Koga.

Perhaps the club’s biggest statement, however, is the arrival of Belgian winger Ayman Kassimi. Having represented Belgium at youth level, the 24-year-old joins the Cheetahs with European experience and will be looking to showcase his quality in the Singapore Premier League.

Lion City Sailors

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Hugo GomesBRACong An Hanoi
2Ryhan StewartSGPKanchanaburi Power
3Farhan ZulkifliSGPHougang United
4Glenn KwehSGPTampines Rovers
5Ilhan FandiSGPBG Pathum United

Back-to-back league champions Lion City Sailors has shown no signs of slowing down.

While seeking to defend their domestic crown, the Sailors has also refreshed their squad with an exciting blend of youth and experience. Singapore internationals Ryhan Stewart, Glenn Kweh and Farhan Zulkifli add further quality and depth to an already formidable local core.

Their headline signing, however, is undoubtedly Ilhan Fandi. The 23-year-old forward returns to Singapore after spells in Belgium and Thailand, bringing valuable overseas experience and proven pedigree on the international stage.

Tampines Rovers

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Seia KunoriJPNTrue Bangkok United
2Yuma KimuraJPNRenofa Yamaguchi
3Shodai YokoyamaJPNGeylang International
4Kenshin YamazakiJPNFujieda MYFC
5Zharfan RohaizadSGPHougang United

After finishing as runners-up last season, Tampines Rovers have strengthened their squad as they aim to go one better.

Led by former Singapore international Nazri Nasir, the Stags welcomed back a familiar face in Seia Kunori. Following a brief stint with Thai side True Bangkok United, the Japanese attacker returns to a club where he previously registered an impressive 17 goals and 12 assists in the 2024/25 campaign.

Still only 25 years old, Kunori’s return could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business this transfer window.

Tanjong Pagar United

S/NNameNationalityPrevious club
1Boris KopitovicMNEBali United
2Taufik SuparnoSGPTampines Rovers

After ending last season at the foot of the table, Tanjong Pagar United has undergone a significant rebuild under new chairman Rajesh Nair.

Goalscoring was identified as a key area for improvement, with experienced forward Taufik Suparno joining the Jaguars alongside one of the league’s most recognisable marksmen, Boris Kopitovic.

The Montenegrin striker arrives from Bali United having previously amassed an outstanding 110 goals in 138 appearances for Tampines Rovers. Tanjong Pagar will be hoping his proven finishing ability provides the spark for a much-improved campaign.

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