Baihakki, Safuwan and Hariss set for move to Malaysian clubs next year

They postponed decisions on their futures in view of the LionsXII's Malaysia Cup run.

But, a day after the 4-2 aggregate quarter- final defeat by ATM in Selayang, the Singapore side's senior players are already planning for next season.

For Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin, it appears likely that they will play for Malaysian clubs next year.

Vice-captain Hariss has been linked with a move to Johor Darul Takzim over the past two months.

On Saturday, at the team hotel in Shah Alam, the 22-year-old confirmed he had received an offer from the nouveau riche side, who are backed by the Johor crown prince.

The midfielder, who turned down a offer from top-tier Portuguese club Rio Ave in June, has yet to sign on the dotted line.

But he said that he's leaning towards a new challenge despite an offer from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to continue with the LionsXII.

Decision time

"Now that the season is over for us, I'll be making a decision in a week or two. I definitely have to sort out my future before the SEA Games in December," said Hariss.

"The FAS has been really good to me the past six years, and so I have to hear them out first.

"There are things to iron out, like the make-up of next year's team - whether it will be the team for the 2015 SEA Games or the future team for the ASEAN Super League.

"I'll weigh my options carefully, but it's always been my intention to play abroad.

"An offer from Europe came and went, but who knew five or six years ago that Johor would come in for me?"

Johor have already secured the services of defender Baihakki Khaizan, who has agreed to join the club's second-tier team, Johor FA, in the Malaysian Premier League for a reported $30,000-amonth deal, plus a $40,000 signing-on bonus.

Safuwan is almost certain to move across the Causeway, too.

The 22-year-old told The New Paper that he is considering offers from three MSL clubs, the front-runners being Terengganu-based side T-Team.

"I'm still in negotiations with (T-Team), but I also have to discuss my move with my partner, who will be coming with me," Safuwan said.

Headed abroad

"I've already set my mind on playing abroad. It's just a matter of where.

"I've had two great years here, finishing first and second in the Super League. I think I've achieved all I can in the LionsXII jersey."

LionsXII coach V Sundramoorthy said the strong interest from Malaysian teams can only benefit Singapore football.

The 47-year-old is likely to helm Premier League side Negeri Sembilan next year.

He reiterated on Saturday that he would confirm his move sometime this week.

"As a player, I'd be flattered if foreign teams want my services," he said.

"Playing abroad will give the boys valuable experience. As a foreign import, their bar is raised; they have to be a level better than local players week in, week out.

"That will help Singapore when these players return for international matches."

Shahril's choices

LionsXII captain Shahril Ishak revealed last week that he was considering two offers from Malaysia, along with a twoyear extension from the FAS.

Defensive midfielder Isa Halim is also at the crossroads, having had offers from an MSL and a Premier League club.

Isa, though, expressed his desire to stay with the LionsXII, adding that his decision would hinge on the make-up of next year's squad.

Said the 27-year-old: "I understand that the FAS wants to make the LionsXII the future ASEAN Super League squad, so I would like to hear what they say before deciding.

"We will be losing a few players from this team, so I also want to see who we bring in.

"But the most important is the new coach.

"I hope they decide on that as soon as possible."

aakasim@sph.com.sg

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