Madura United have completed their ASEAN quota for the upcoming 2023/24 Liga 1 Indonesia season, with the signing of young Singaporean defender Jacob Mahler from Singapore Premier League bottom-dwellers Young Lions FC.
Jacob, who has Danish heritage, is set to be the 10th Singaporean to play in the Indonesian top-flight and the first one since the 2013 season, joining a select list that included the likes of Noh Alam Shah, Baihakki Khaizan, Muhammad Ridhuan, and Khairul Amri.
“We announce that Madura United has recruited an ASEAN foreign player from Singapore, Jacob Mahler. He is still 23 years old. Still young. His position is central defender but can also be played as a defensive midfielder,” said Madura United director Annisa Zhafarina, as quoted from Bola.com.
Jacob is Madura United’s fourth signing this transfer window, after Satria Tama, Koko Ari Araya, and Rendika Rama. And Annisa hinted that there will be more to come.
“We have been contracting this player for a long time, it’s just that it hasn’t been announced because we are waiting for a letter from the previous club. For foreign players, we have pocketed the names, already have contracts. We just have to stick to the administration. So please be patient to all Madura United supporters,” said Annisa.
Madura United manager Umar Wachidin told Bola.com that Jacob’s signing was done based on the recommendation of Singaporean footballing legend, Fandi Ahmad, who sees huge potential in the 23-year old.
“We asked about this player, the recommendations were quite positive. This means that considering that ASEAN regulations are mandatory, in terms of player regulations, we feel he will be a key factor in team formation. We hope that having ASEAN players on our team will bring Madura United to a better level. Jacob has all of those components to prove he is a good player,” said Umar.