KUALA LUMPUR: Former Thai League top scorer, Diogo Luis Santo, has made up the five-man import quota at Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
This was confirmed by JDT sporting director Martin Prest in a statement on the club’s official Facebook page, Johor Southern Tigers, today.
Prest said five-time champions JDT became interested in the striker following a friendly match against Santo’s former team, Buriram United in 2017.
However, Prest said cost was JDT’s main obstacle in recruiting the 31-year old then.
“We have been looking at the Brazilian’s performance. He was part of Buriram’s 2018 League win and has a proven goalscoring record in Thailand where he won two Golden Boots in four years.
“JDT believe that Diogo will be a good addition to the squad ahead of our AFC Champions League campaign and the Super League. He also fits the style of football JDT want to play.
“Diogo’s signing has filled our foreign player quota after JDT also signed Spanish midfielder Aaron Niguez and Argentine centreback Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento. Captain Hariss Harun and Gonzalo Cabrera remain from last season to complete the five.”
Santo, who played for Buriram United from 2015-2018, is expected to strengthen the JDT’s attacking line especially in the run-up to the ACL.
JDT is also gunning for their sixth Super League trophy, a competition they have won consecutively since 2014.
Prest added that the Southern Tigers will be having a pre-season match in Bangkok as part of their 2019 preparations.