Latest news with #JohorDarulTa'zim


New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT prep for M-League with La Liga action
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will play newly promoted La Liga side, Levante UD, in a friendly in Spain next month. Under new head coach Xisco Munoz, the Malaysian champions will do their pre-season training abroad. "More friendly matches in Spain will be announced soon. Levante won the Segunda Division in the 2024-25 season to earn promotion to the Spanish top flight," JDT said on social media on Friday. Among the Levante stars is 21-year-old attacking midfielder Carlos Alvarez, who chalked up seven goals and 11 assists last season. His meteoric rise saw him sign a new deal with a release clause of €25 million (RM127 million). JDT, who aim to be an Asian power, plan to arrange for more matches in Spain, apart from training there.


The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
KL continue to rebuild as they seek more new signings
PETALING JAYA: Watch out for a new-look Kuala Lumpur to add excitement in the new Super League. They have been active in the transfer window, securing three new signings — versatile wingback Tommy Mawat, Timor Leste striker Joao Pedro, and former winger Mohd Fazrul Amir. Club chairman Syed Yazid Syed Omar said several more players were under consideration as they would continue to rebuild. 'We are committed to building a complete structure from top to bottom. This is not just about a season - it's about shaping a long-term identity for Kuala Lumpur,' said Yazid. 'We are looking at Filipino international goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad, experienced centreback Adam Nor Azlin, and seasoned rightback Azrif Nasrulhaq. 'Discussions are also ongoing with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for potential arrivals including Safawi Rasid, Manuel Hidalgo, and Syamer Kutty Abba. Key players Paulo Josue and Giancarlo Gallifuoco remain under contract and are expected to play important roles in the upcoming season. It is learnt that the club could also be recruiting Serbian coach Risto Vidakovic, to replace Croatian Miroslav Kuljanac. They also have Datuk Shamrat Gupta stepping in to support the day-to-day operations as executive director as a replacement for Stanley Bernard Samuel, who is currently with the national team set-up as the chief executive officer.


The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Old-timer Safiq's stint ends with JDT as club look for fresh faces
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) stalwarts Safiq Rahim and Farizal Marlias have bid farewell to the club after years of dedication to the Southern Tigers. The club announced the duo's departure via a tribute on their official Facebook page, recognising their years of commitment, leadership, and achievements that helped shape JDT into a dominant force in Malaysian and regional football. Safiq, 37, joined JDT in 2013 and has been instrumental in the team's success, including captaining the side to the historic 2015 AFC Cup victory, the first time an East Asian club clinched the prestigious continental title. Over the course of 270 appearances, the attacking midfielder netted 59 goals and provided 68 assists, helping the club secure an impressive list of honours - nine Malaysia Super League titles, seven Charity Shields, four Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups, and one AFC Cup. Farizal, 38, who donned the JDT jersey in 2015, on the other hand, established himself as one of the country's finest goalkeepers, keeping 102 clean sheets in 222 appearances. His tenure saw him win 10 league titles, nine Charity Shields, five Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups and the historic AFC Cup in 2015. The Johor-born duo are widely regarded as legends, not only for their on-field success but also for their leadership and influence within the club. On Monday, JDT confirmed the release of 11 players ahead of the 2025-2026 M-League season through a post on social media. The others released were Izham Tarmizi, Ramadhan Saifullah and seven foreign players, Jordi Amat, Jese Rodriguez, Murilo Henrique, Jonathan Viera, Alvaro Gonzalez, Roque Mesa, and Anselmo de Moraes, as the club look to refresh its squad for the upcoming campaign. — Bernama


New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT drop 11 players ahead of new season
KUALA LUMPUR: M-League giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have released a total of 11 players ahead of the 2025-2026 M-League. This was announced through their post on social media, which began with a message of thanks and well wishes to the 11 departing players. Among the 11 are goalkeepers Farizal Marlias and Izham Tarmizi, as well as midfielder Safiq Rahim, who has been with the Southern Tigers since 2013. The seven departing foreign players are Jordi Amat, Jese Rodriguez, Murilo Henrique, Jonathan Viera, Alvaro Gonzalez, Roque Mesa and Anselmo de Moraes. Meanwhile, local player, Ramadhan Saifullah, who recently completed a permanent transfer to Kuching City, becomes the 11th player to leave the JDT squad. JDT's preparations have begun with the arrival of new head coach, Xisco Mnoz, who has extensive experience as a player and coach in Europe. For the new season, JDT's major targets are the AFC Champions League Elite and ASEAN Club Championship.


The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Tenacious enforcer Ibrahim can make JDT even more forceful in midfield
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have bolstered their midfield options with the acquisition of tenacious enforcer Ibrahim Manusi. And the move has signalled the Southern Tigers' continued push to blend youth with experience. The 23-year-old, fondly known as Baim, has joined the reigning Super League champions after two industrious seasons with Pahang. While not the most technically refined, Ibrahim is known for his high-octane pressing, robust tackling and sheer determination – traits that have earned him respect among peers and pundits alike. Ibrahim caught the attention of fans in the Malaysia Cup final, where his former side were beaten 1-2 by JDT. Many said he possessed more than two lungs as he kept pushing throughout the game with his work rate and some even said that his quality was akin to an import player. Standing at 1.81m, Ibrahim's physical presence and unrelenting style offer JDT a different dimension in midfield. And the club are confident it can help unlock his full potential. 'There is only one place to take football to a higher standard. Welcome to the Southern Tigers,' JDT posted in a short but confident welcome message. However, Ibrahim faces stiff competition for a starting berth in a midfield brimming with quality and experience. The defensive midfield role is largely anchored by 24-year-old Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan, who has grown into a reliable figure in JDT's set-up. Veteran campaigner Afiq Fazail, 31, continues to provide flexibility with his ability to operate both defensively and in advanced roles, while 39-year-old Natxo Insa remains a linchpin in midfield, dictating the tempo and launching attacks with his deep-lying playmaking abilities. Given the intense battle for spots, sources suggest that Ibrahim may be loaned out to gain valuable game time, with Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu reportedly interested. The Southern Tigers are also set to sign 22-year-old forward Haqimi Azim Rosli, last season's Young Player of the Year at the Malaysian Football Awards. The national Under-23 and Harimau Malaya forward is tipped for a bright future, though he too could be loaned out for further development, with Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu also in the frame. The dual domestic signings follow JDT's recent confirmation of two international arrivals, Spanish centreback Antonio Glauder and Brazilian forward Jairo Da Silva; as the champions continue to reload for another title push.