Five-time Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim have signed up Brazilian hit man Diogo Luis Santo from Thai League 1 champions Buriram United.
The 31-year-old Brazilian comes with strong credentials and the Southern Tigers would not have asked for a better player as they look to make an impact in their AFC Champions League debut this year. The Johor outfit won the AFC Cup in 2015.
Diogo, after making an impact for Buriram United since 2015 and winning the Golden Boot twice in four years plus his physical attributes, the six footer, packs power in both feet. He is bound to add more firepower for the Southern Tigers in all competitions.
The other four foreigners in the JDT side are Singaporean midfielder Hariss Harun, Spanish forward Aaron Niguez, Brazilian defender Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento and Argentine Gonzalo Cabrera (forward).
According to a posting on the Southern Tigers Facebook, Diogo played a key role for Buriram United in the Thai club’s last 16 appearance in last year’s AFC Champions League.
JDT’s Sporting Director Martin Prest said: “Diogo won the Golden Boot twice in four years. JDT believe Diogo will be a good addition to the squad ahead of our maiden AFC Champions League campaign and defend our Malaysian Super League title.”
More importantly Diogo fits the style of football JDT want to play. JDT have won the Malaysian Super League title since 2014 and will once again start as favorites this year.
Meanwhile, who will head to Thailand for pre-season preparations, will face Singapore’s Home United in a friendly match at the Larkin Stadium on January 11. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH