Transfer Round-Up (Part 3): Clubs step up recruitment ahead of new season

With the Singapore Premier League (SPL) transfer window closing on 18 September, clubs have moved quickly to reinforce their squads as preparations intensify for the new season. Several sides have been particularly active in recent weeks, adding a mix of local and overseas talent ahead of the campaign. 

Balestier Khalsa

Balestier Khalsa are among several clubs to have stepped up their recruitment activity late in the window, announcing 12 new signings over the past three weeks.

The Tigers have focused heavily on local talent, with seven Singaporeans joining their ranks. Among them are 24-year-old forward Zikos Chua from Tampines Rovers, 21-year-old forward Timothy Cheng, who scored nine goals in 12 SPL2 appearances for Geylang International last season, and 25-year-old defender Bill Mamadou, who returns to Singapore following a stint with Nakhon Ratchasima.

Balestier’s foreign contingent features one Croatian and three Japanese players, including a familiar face in Jun Kobayashi. The midfielder was part of FC Jurong’s 2022 SPL championship-winning side, then known as Albirex Niigata (S), before spending two seasons with the Young Lions.

FC Jurong

FC Jurong have added South Korean defender Lee Jaeyong, who joins after completing his first full season in senior football with Chuncheon Citizen in the K3 League, the third tier of South Korean football. 

Despite playing predominantly in defence, the 21-year-old contributed four goals and one assist in 16 appearances last season, offering his new side an additional threat at both ends of the pitch.

Geylang International

Geylang International, whose early-window recruitment included experienced campaigners such as 34-year-old Sahil Suhaimi, 32-year-old Anumanthan Kumar and 30-year-old Darren Teh, have continued to add young talent to their squad. 

American midfielder Milan Landreman joins after developing in Arizona and gaining experience in Portugal with SC Salgueiros and SC Rio Tinto, while Philippine defensive midfielder Diego Aspiras arrives after coming through the Kaya-Iloilo youth system and featuring for several clubs in the Philippines Football League. Aspiras has also represented the Philippines at Under-23 level. 

Hougang United

In keeping with their new-season slogan, #RebuildingHGFC, Hougang United have continued to strengthen their ranks with five new additions. 

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Cardoso arrives with experience across Europe and Asia, adding composure, work rate, and attacking qualities to the Cheetahs. He is joined by Jordan Emaviwe, who returns to Singapore after a spell in Thailand, and Montenegrin defender Milos Drincic, whose experience in European and Asian football adds further depth and leadership to Hougang’s defence. 

They are joined by Thai duo Natthakit Phosri and Phutanet Somjit, who join on loan from Port FC.

Tanjong Pagar United

Another club to have engaged in a flurry of late-window activity, Tanjong Pagar United have assembled a squad that blends international experience with familiar faces and emerging local talent ahead of the new season.

The Jaguars have strengthened their overseas contingent with the arrivals of Equatorial Guinea international centre-back Marvin Anieboh, Japanese defender Yuki Aizu and Spanish goalkeeper Aitor Mujica. Anieboh brings extensive experience from Spanish football and has been part of three Africa Cup of Nations squads, while former Japan youth international Aizu has played across leagues in Asia and Europe. Mujica, meanwhile, joins at the age of 24 after spells with clubs in Spain and Italy.

Alongside their international recruits, the Jaguars have also brought in three players from Balestier Khalsa, with Madhu Mohana, Masahiro Sugita and Lazar Vujanic adding further experience and depth across the squad.

Completing the reshuffle are Young Lions duo Marcus Mosses and Kieran Teo, who will now have the opportunity to push for regular first-team football and continue their development in the SPL.

Young Lions

Young Lions have bolstered their squad with a mix of experienced local and foreign recruits, with the signings forming part of an ongoing effort to enhance the daily performance environment for the club’s core of Under-22 players. The addition of more senior players is intended to create greater competition and maintain a high-intensity environment on a daily basis, providing the young players with the platform and challenge to continue developing and compete more effectively when called upon.

Most notably, Hafiz Nor joins with 293 Singapore Premier League appearances to his name and will provide experience and leadership both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Japanese midfielder Daisuke Sakai also brings international pedigree, having represented Japan at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-20 levels during his youth career.