LUQMAN Hakim Shamsudin was unveiled as a KV Kortrijk player upon his arrival in Belgium on Thursday at an empty Guldensporen Stadium.
The national Under-19 striker was also handed the coveted number nine jersey during the ceremony.
The No 9 is normally given to a team's main striker, the goal scorer in any given formation.
It is a bit surprising that Kortrijk have handed their No 9 jersey to Luqman, who has yet to make a mark in senior-level competitions in Asia.
The 18-year-old, however, is a proven goal scorer in age-group competitions in Asia.
Former Johor Darul Ta'zim coach Bojan Hodak hopes Luqman will do his best to make a grade in European football.s
"My advice to Luqman is not to expect favours from anyone. No player wants to lose their spot in a team.
"It will be like a war in training. There is no place for weak players.
"Luqman will have to toughen up and adapt quickly in all aspects.
"I have played in Europe before, and I know how it is like over there," said Hodak in a recent interview.
The Croatian also believes that Luqman needs to bulk up and polish his skills.
"European clubs prefer well-built strikers, who are strong and skillful.
"Luqman does not have the size yet. However, age is on his side, and he has the time to build muscles.
"Luqman is a talented striker but needs further polishing.
"I wish him well, and I hope he will make Malaysia proud," he added.
Although Luqman was unveiled on Thursday, the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) graduate will only join Kortrijk in training when he completes the quarantine process.
Kortrijk fans normally fill the Belgian First Division A's venue to celebrate the arrival of a new signing. However, it was a low-key affair on Thursday due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Luqman signed a five-year deal with the former Belgian Cup runners-up,
In a message to Kortrijk fans, Luqman introduced himself as the club's new signing on Twitter.
"I am Kortrijk's new signing, and I am very happy to be here. It is a beautiful stadium (Guldensporen Stadium) and I hope to meet the fans soon," said Luqman.