Southeast Asia Thailand

Bangkok United announce partnership with FC Tokyo

Bangkok United have become the latest Southeast Asian side to partner with a Japanese club after reaching an agreement with J1 League club FC Tokyo.

Last year’s Thai League runners-up will join forces with the capital club, who are considered serious J1 title contenders this season.

In an announcement posted to their official website, Bangkok United revealed that 21-year-old Sasalak Haiprakhon and 20-year-old Jakkit Wechpirom, both of whom have represented Thailand at underage levels, will train with FC Tokyo for 10 days beginning on March 3.

During their stay, the two wingers will also attend the J1 League match between Tokyo and Omiya Ardija on March 4 as well as the J3 League match between FC Tokyo U-23 and Kataller Toyama on March 12.

The tie-up is the latest in a series of similar moves by Japanese clubs as the J.League continues to tap into the Southeast Asian market. Bangkok United recently participated in the J.League Asia Challenge 2017 in Thailand, during which they and fellow Thai League participants Suphanburi faced off against reigning J1 champions Kashima Antlers and Yokohama F. Marinos.

According to the release, a press conference will be held in Thailand later this month to formally announce the deal.