Bangkok United youngster Chayathorn Tapsuvanavon is set to join J.League outfit FC Tokyo for the upcoming 2020 season.
The creative midfielder is highly regarded by Bangkok United’s coaching staff, who see him as a key player for the future. However, they feel the loan move will benefit his career, allowing him to experience training at a higher level and get regular football with FC Tokyo’s U23 side in J3.
Chayathorn made three appearances for Bangkok United last season, coming on in the dying minutes in his side’s home wins over Prachuap, Samut Prakan City, and Port FC respectively. The midfielder also previously played a one-month trial for the Japanese club two seasons ago as a 17-year-old.
This loan move is the next in a string of exchanges between the Thai capital and the Japanese one in recent seasons. Right-back Jakkit Wachpirom spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with FC Tokyo, making 33 appearances in J3 for the U23 side. However, persistent injury issues and a loan move to Samut Prakan city mean that the now 23-year-old has struggled to find game time at his parent club.
Last season, striker Nattawut Suksum made the loan move to FC Tokyo, turning out 17 times for the U23 side and scoring 3 goals. He has hit the ground running since returning from Japan, finding a starting berth in the absence of departed striker Nelson Bonilla. The forward has played in all four of his side’s opening games this season and has given the fans plenty to cheer about already.
Bangkok United’s policy of sending their brightest talents to gain more experience ion Japan is finally paying dividends and the club will be hoping that Chayathorn is the next one to benefit from the move.