Transfers
Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah, Fagiano Okayama, PSIM Yogyakarta and Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC were also active as clubs across Asia continued fine-tuning their squads.
Townsend stays in Thailand
PT Prachuap secured the services of Townsend following his departure from Kanchanaburi Power, ensuring the 35-year-old will remain in Thai League 1 for a second season.
PT Prachuap secured the services of Townsend following his departure from Kanchanaburi Power, ensuring the 35-year-old will remain in Thai League 1 for a second season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Everton winger scored three goals and provided six assists in 30 appearances for Kanchanaburi last season.
Townsend joins a number of new arrivals at Prachuap, including 28-year-old Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa and Brazilian duo Tailson, a 27-year-old playmaker and forward Lucas Gracie.
PT Prachuap, who finished sixth in the Thai top flight last season, welcomed Townsend as the latest member of their “Killerwasp Family”.
“The Thai adventure continues,” Townsend wrote on social media after completing his move.
NEOM add three
NEOM continued their preparations for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign by completing three additions to their squad.
Greece international Masouras joined after leaving Olympiacos, returning to Saudi Arabia following his previous spell with Al Khaleej.
The 32-year-old winger adds further experience to a NEOM attack already containing the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma. NEOM announced the move on Saturday with the message: “Here the pitch speaks.”
Jordan international Abu Taha also joined NEOM after playing for Air Force Club in Iraq.
The versatile 27-year-old can operate at left-back or further forward on the flank and has previously played in Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
NEOM’s third addition was Saudi winger Al Absi from Al Riyadh, with the 25-year-old having started his career in Al Nassr Club’s youth system.
UAE clubs reinforce
UAE Pro League champions Shabab Al Ahli strengthened their wide options with the permanent signing of Jahnoah Markelo from English side Coventry City.
UAE Pro League champions Shabab Al Ahli strengthened their wide options with the permanent signing of Jahnoah Markelo from English side Coventry City.
The 23-year-old Suriname international moved to Dubai for an undisclosed fee, having joined Coventry from FC Zurich earlier this year.
Sharjah, meanwhile, signed Mali forward Cheickna Doumbia from Shabab Al Ahli on a three-year contract.
The 23-year-old has already accumulated considerable UAE Pro League experience following spells with Khor Fakkan and Al Nasr.
Oberdan swaps Jeonbuk for Okayama
In East Asia, Fagiano Okayama completed the permanent signing of Brazilian midfielder Oberdan from Korea Republic giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder will wear the No.80 shirt and said he was excited by the opportunity to continue his career in Japan.
“I'm delighted to have the opportunity to join Fagiano Okayama and can't wait to get started,” said Oberdan.
“Together with my teammates, I'll do everything I can to help the club achieve its goals and make this a successful season.”
PSIM strengthen attack
Indonesia’s PSIM Yogyakarta added Paraguay striker Mauro Caballero and Costa Rica international Marvin Loria to their foreign contingent.
Caballero was brought in to improve PSIM’s effectiveness in front of goal after previously playing in Portugal and Islamic Republic of Iran.
Loria, meanwhile, completed the club’s incoming transfer activity for the new season, with the club describing the winger as the final piece of their squad-building “puzzle”.
Sibille joins Bhayangkara
Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC strengthened their backline with the signing of Argentine centre-back Kevin Sibille.
The 27-year-old River Plate academy graduate arrives after spending last season with East Bengal and also brings experience from Spanish football with Valencia Mestalla, Castellon, Atletico Baleares and Ponferradina.
“I’m very happy and proud to join Bhayangkara FC,” said Sibille.
“This is a very exciting new challenge for my career. I come here with great ambition to give my best, help the team keep the defence solid and fight together with my teammates to achieve the club’s target.”
Also joining the roster is Argentinian midfielder Mauricio Vera, after ending his contract with Deportes Concepcion following his loan spell with Nacional.
Photo: PT Prachuap
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