Sri Pahang FC are gearing up for the upcoming 2022 Liga Super Malaysia season by performing an overhaul to their playing squad. After releasing 14 players – which includes all of their foreigners from the 2021 season – the Tok Gajah are set to land the services of French defender Johan Martial, the older brother of Manchester United star Anthony Martial.
30-year old Johan has played for numerous clubs around Europe, including his native France, Israel, and Greece, with Sri Pahang set to become his first club outside of Europe. Johan’s last club was Ligue 2 side Sochaux, who had ended their contract with the defender shortly before rumors started to spread regarding his move to Malaysia.
Transfermarkt was the first to break the news regarding Johan’s move to Pahang, listing the club as the Frenchman’s current port of call. It is believed that Johan was brought in to replace fellow French defender Herold Goulon, who was among the five foreign players released by Sri Pahang at the end of the 2021 season.
Malaysian news outlet Berita Harian then confirmed the rumors surrounding Johan signing for Sri Pahang, citing a source close to the club being the one who informed them that the Frenchman is “100% heading to the Tok Gajah.”
“I can confirm that Johan Martial is on his way to Malaysia to sign for Sri Pahang,” said the source, as quoted from Berita Harian, “For now this is all that I can inform to you regarding our club’s transfer business, including the signings of other foreign players. I ask for the patience of all Sri Pahang fans in waiting for news regarding our new signings for the 2022 season, which will be announced in the near future.”
Besides Sochaux, Johan had played for the likes of Bastia, Brest, and Troyes in France, Maccabi Petah Tikva and FC Ashdod in Israel, and Panetolikos in Greece. Prior to his release from Sochaux, Johan had played only 10 league games for the club across 2020 and 2021.