Transfers
Lion City Sailors, Cerezo Osaka, Melbourne City and several Indonesian clubs were also active in the transfer market.
Jonan takes European opportunity
Jonan joined Croatian second-tier side NK Dugopolje on a season-long loan from Lion City Sailors.
The 20-year-old will seek regular first-team football in Europe and could become the first Singaporean to play professionally in Croatia.
“It has always been my dream to play professionally overseas and I’m delighted to be joining a club and football environment that knows how to develop young players,” said Jonan.
“I want to thank everyone who made this move possible and I’ll do everything I can to repay the club’s faith in me.
“I’ve already been here for a few weeks and am gradually adjusting to the tempo of the game. The training sessions have been of a really high quality and I cannot wait to help the team achieve our goal of winning promotion.”
The midfielder will look to make the most of the opportunity before returning to the Sailors with added experience.
Aznar signs for Sailors
Lion City Sailors strengthened their goalkeeping department with the signing of Brazilian Victor Aznar from Cadiz CF on a three-year contract.
The 23-year-old made more than 100 appearances across Cadiz’s reserve and senior sides before making the switch to Singapore.
“It is a huge honour for me to join a club that has the ambition to become one of the best in Asia.”
Aznar joins a Sailors squad which has already been strengthened by the arrivals of Matthias Phaeton and Antonio Mance.
Messi makes Al Ettifaq switch
Al Ettifaq secured Messi on loan from French side Strasbourg, with the agreement including an option to make the move permanent.
The highly-rated attacker will look to continue his development in the Saudi Pro League after progressing through the French youth system and breaking into senior football with Strasbourg.
His arrival provides Al Ettifaq with another option in the attacking third ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Takahashi heads to Germany
Japan defender Niko Takahashi moved from Cerezo Osaka to German side Holstein Kiel on a year-long loan deal.
The youngster will look to further his development in Europe before returning to Cerezo.
“I will give everything I have overseas and work hard so that I can return having grown further as a player,” said Takahashi.
Indonesian clubs reinforce
Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC continued their recruitment drive with the signing of Uruguayan winger Matias Ocampo from CA Cerro.
PSM Makassar secured Indonesia right-back Henhen Herdiana on loan from Persib Bandung for the 2026/27 season
Persib also allowed midfielder Adzikry Fadlilah to return to Persijap Jepara on loan, while Persela Lamongan added Indonesia youth international Achmad Zidan from PSS Sleman.
Ayres returns to City
Melbourne City Women strengthened their forward line by bringing Australia striker Melina Ayres back to the club on a two-year contract.
Ayres joins from Newcastle Jets having scored 44 goals in 116 A-League Women appearances.
Her return gives City another proven attacking option as they prepare for domestic competition and the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™.
Sydney FC Women were also active, signing American forward Faith Webber from Denver Summit FC.
Photo: AFC
