Safiq and Amirul want to play in Indonesian league

National captain Safiq Rahim and teammate Amirul Hadi Zainal, both of Selangor, have expressed their interest to play in the Indonesian Super League (ISL) next season.

Indonesian news portals have over the week highlighted that Safiq and Amirul Hadi are linked to several clubs in the Republic.

This was confirmed by Safiq yesterday.

"Yes, we have had talks with our agent (Soccerindo) in Indonesia and are still in the midst of discussion. We've identified Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta but nothing is concrete yet," said Safiq.
"It will be interesting to play there. Amirul has also expressed his interest in playing there (ISL)."

Safiq was earlier linked to a move to Indonesia after the national team won the Asean Cup for the first time late last year. The Negri Sembilan-born lad had then dismissed such talks, adding he was committed towards the national team and Selangor.

The interest in Malaysian players is not new after national striker Safee Sali moved to Pelita Jaya earlier this year.

Soccerindo – an agent for foreign players in the Republic – have also been "selling" the likes of national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Singaporean goalkeeper Lionel Lewis to several Indonesian clubs.

InilahJabar.com, a news portal in Jawa Barat, had in an article on Friday quoted Persib Bandung manager Umuh Muchtar as saying: "It boils down to the players and they will decide. But we will not close that possibility. If they are interested, why not?"

Soccerindo chief executive officer Hardimen Koto, meanwhile, told Bola.net: "Besides Persib Balikpapan, there are other ISL clubs where Safiq can be based including Persija Jakarta, Persib Bandung, Pelita Jaya and Sriwijaya Palembang."

Safiq and Amirul Hadi currently play for Selangor, who are also known as the Red Giants. The Klang Valley team ended third in the recently concluded Malaysia Super League.

However, FA of Selangor general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin confirmed they have not had any formal communication with any clubs from Indonesia regarding the duo.

Safiq, Amirul, Safee and Khairul joined their teammates as they prepare for the clash against English Premier League giants Arsenal (Wednesday) and Liverpool (Saturday) before taking on Singapore in Round 2 of the pre-World Cup tournament later this month.