KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has hinted that two Super League stars, Bergson da Silva and Manuel Hidalgo, could be naturalised for Harimau Malaya.
Bergson, the top scorer in the Super League in 2022 and a key player for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is in his fourth year playing professional football in the M-League and will be eligible for a Malaysian passport next year.
Argentine Hidalgo, also a JDT player on loan to Sri Pahang, will also meet the criteria for naturalisation next season.
"Brazilian Bergson can be naturalised as a short-term measure once he completes five years in Malaysia, while Hidalgo is a long-term option alongside other available players.
"All JDT players are prepared. The new Harimau Malaya coach and sporting director are gathering data on Malaysian players in the Super League and abroad," said Tunku Ismail on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
"It's not easy, and it takes time, but it starts now, including laying the groundwork for long-term development."
Based on Tunku Ismail's statement, Harimau Malaya appears to have a new coach, with an official announcement pending, as well as a new structure for management.
The new Harimau Malaya coach is reportedly not a prominent figure but has extensive experience in Asian football, with achievements at both international and domestic levels.