Football Tribe SEA Editor
Muangthong United and Thai international left-back Theerathon Bunmathan has signed a permanent deal with J.League Champions Yokohama F. Marinos.
Theerathon spent last season on loan with the Marinos, establishing himself as a key member of the team and helping them to win their first J.League since 2004. His performances also saw him shortlisted for the J.League Team of the Year, but ultimately he wasn’t able to make the final eleven.
Thai media outlets are reporting that Yokohama will pay Muangthong a 35 million Thai Baht (£900k) transfer fee for his services, matching the amount which the Kirins dished out to secure his services from rivals Buriram United back in 2016.
The left-back becomes the second player to depart Muangthong after an initial loan deal in Japan, with attacking midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin going the same route when he signed for Consadole Sapporo during the 2018 season.
His return to Japan also represents a boost for the national team. Theerathon has established himself as a crucial part of Akira Nishino’s system and continuing to play in the J.League and AFC Champions League will only further strengthen a crucial link for the War Elephants.