Football Tribe SEA Editor
Muangthong United announced the signings of three new players yesterday: Chatmongkol Thongkiri on loan from Port FC, alongside Picha Autra and Phumin Kaewta on permanent transfers from Samut Prakan City.
The 23-year-old midfielder Chatmongkol Thongkiri is a long-time favorite of Muangthong head coach Alexandre Gama, who he selected for the Thailand U23 squad for the first time last season when he played for Chainat FC.
Chatmongkol struggled for game-time at Port FC, and welcomes the move to the SCG Stadium with a coach who has a track record for developing young players. Coach Gama has stated that he appreciates his physicality in midfield and hopes to develop those traits.
Meanwhile, Picha Autra established himself as a key player for Samut Prakan City last season. Originally an attack-minded winger, coaches Surapong Kongthep and Tetsuya Murayama developed Picha into a capable wing-back, adding new dimensions to his game.
Comfortable on the flanks or down the middle, Picha adds plenty of versatility to the squad, as well as a goalscoring threat in the final third. It will be interesting to see how Picha fits into Muangthong’s attacking lineup alongside foreigners Sardor Mirzaev, Willian Popp, and Derley.
Phumin Kaewta is another player who made his presence felt over the last season at Samut Prakan City. Also a versatile player, Phumin brings on-ball confidence to the Kirin’s attacking lineup and provides different options for the side going forward.
For a team that has had their squad thinned by financial troubles and various departures, these moves will help bring more depth to the squad and give the coach more options for when the league restarts.