Football Tribe SEA
Thailand star Charyl Chappuis became the second player to trade Muangthong United for Port FC in the current transfer window and has finally made his move official with just a week to go before the start of the season.
The midfielder, who is one of the most popular players in the country, was left without a contract heading into the new Thai League season due to the newfound frugality of his club Muangthong. Their local rivals capitalized in what is increasingly becoming a financially cut-throat environment, adding Chappuis to a transfer haul that already saw them snag Heberty Fernandes from the Kirin back in December.
Chappuis burst onto the Thai League scene back in 2013, when the half-Swiss player made the move east from the country of his birth. A former U17 World Cup winner with Switzerland, the midfielder was quick to deliver on his high expectations upon shifting allegiance to Thailand, playing a critical role in Kiatisuk Senamuang’s ‘Golden Generation’ and turning out impressive performances for Buriram United.
However, an injury-ridden spell at Suphanburi forced a rethink for the energetic midfielder, who moved into a deeper playmaking role as a result. His move to Muangthong in 2017 was met with major fanfare, as he aimed to add more creativity to the midfield.
Now aged 28, Chappuis is lining up for another move which will have major implications not only on his career, on the league as a whole. Switching sides in this famous rivalry, especially for a player of his profile, is sure to generate even more excitement and intrigue going into the new season.
You can read our exclusive interview with Charyl Chappuis here.
