Transfers
Clubs in Japan, Vietnam, Qatar and Korea Republic were also active with Taito Kanda, Iuri Castillo, Kalvin Luong, Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Ruben Macedo and Kim Min-ho completing moves.
Heo heads to Munich
Heo joined Bayern on a six-month loan from Jeju SK, with the agreement running until January 2027 and including an option for the German club to make the transfer permanent.
Heo joined Bayern on a six-month loan from Jeju SK, with the agreement running until January 2027 and including an option for the German club to make the transfer permanent.
The 18-year-old, who stands 195 centimetres tall, is regarded as one of Korea Republic’s promising young goalkeepers and was part of the squad that competed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.
The switch will provide Heo with the opportunity to continue his development in Bayern’s elite training environment and gain experience in European football.
Sailors strengthen attack
Lion City Sailors added further firepower with the signing of Croatian striker Mance from Qatar’s Umm Salal on a two-year contract.
Lion City Sailors added further firepower with the signing of Croatian striker Mance from Qatar’s Umm Salal on a two-year contract.
The 30-year-old contributed 26 goals and nine assists in 53 appearances across two seasons with the Qatari club.
Mance becomes the Sailors’ second major attacking addition of the week following the arrival of Guadeloupe international Matthias Phaeton from CSKA Sofia.
The pair will bolster the Singapore side’s forward options as they prepare to compete on the domestic, ASEAN and continental fronts during the 2026/27 campaign.
“I want to score goals, contribute to the team’s success and make our fans happy,” Mance said.
Kanda makes Leipzig move
Japanese midfielder Kanda joined RB Leipzig’s U19 side on loan from RB Omiya Ardija until June 30, 2027.
The 18-year-old said the move represented an important opportunity to continue his development in Europe.
“I made this decision to grow further and become a player capable of succeeding on the world stage,” said Kanda.
Castillo returns to Japan
Albirex Niigata signed Brazilian forward Castillo from Coritiba, bringing the 30-year-old back to Japanese football after his previous spell with Renofa Yamaguchi in 2020.
Castillo said he was determined to help Niigata achieve their objective of securing promotion to the J1 League.
“I will prepare fully and give everything to help the team achieve promotion to J1,” said Castillo.
Luong signs for Nam Dinh
Vietnamese champions Nam Dinh secured the services of French-Vietnamese forward Luong ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old arrives after developing his career in Europe and will add further competition to Nam Dinh’s attacking department.
Macedo bolsters Gimhae
Gimhae FC 2008 recruited Portuguese winger Macedo from K League 2 rivals Gyeongnam FC.
The former Porto youth player can feature on either flank and is expected to add creativity, pace and one-on-one ability to Gimhae’s attack.
“I’m happy to play for Gimhae,” Macedo said in a statement translated from Korean. “I want to help the team and share the joy of victory.”
Kim joins Chungnam Asan
Chungnam Asan strengthened their defensive options with the signing of full-back Kim from FC Anyang.
The 23-year-old is known for his work rate, overlapping runs and crossing ability and will provide greater energy in the wide defensive areas.
“It is an honour to join Chungnam Asan,” said Kim. “I will work hard and do my best.”
Al Sulaiti joins Al Shahaniya
In Qatar, Al Shahaniya signed 22-year-old Al Sulaiti on loan from Al Arabi as part of their preparations for the new Qatar Stars League season.
Al Shahaniya did not publish a direct player quote but said the signing formed part of their efforts to strengthen the first-team squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Photo: K League
