KUALA LUMPUR: As the M-League's second transfer window closes tomorrow (Sept 22), several clubs have made high-profile signings to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the season.
At the top of the list is Spanish defensive midfielder Iker Undabarrena, who has joined Super League giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for a staggering €700,000 (RM3.3 million).
The 29-year-old, who previously played for Athletic Bilbao and Tenerife, has been brought in to boost JDT's chances in their Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) campaign, which allows an unlimited quota of foreign players.
This significant investment highlights JDT's ambition to achieve continental success.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) recently increased the foreign player quota from nine to 12, allowing clubs to bring in more international talent.
Tied for second in the transfer rankings are JDT forward Jorge Obregon and Selangor's Ali Olwan, both valued at €500,000 (RM2.3 million).
Obregon, 27, previously represented Colombia at Under-20 level, while the 24-year-old Olwan is a regular for the Jordanian national team.
Olwan made his debut in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) on Wednesday, helping Selangor to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Thailand's Muangthong United.
Other notable M-League signings include French winger Enzo Lombardo (€400,000 - RM1.9 million), South Korean defender Park Jun Heong (€300,000 - RM1.4 million), and Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre (€300,000 - RM1.4 million), all of whom have joined JDT.
In comparison, the Southeast Asian transfer market remains vibrant.
Serbian left winger Luka Adzic leads the pack in Thailand's top division, Thai League 1, with a €1.2 million (RM5.6 million) move, while Vietnam's most expensive player is Augustine Chidi Kwem of Ha Noi FC at €850,000 (RM4 million).
Indonesia trail behind, with Dewa United's Alexis Messidoro topping their list at €450,000 (RM2.1 million).