Reigning Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds have announced the signing of highly-rated Thailand international Ekanit Panya on a loan deal from Muangthong United on Monday night.
23-year old winger Ekanit, who had also played for Northern Thailand clubs Leo Chiangrai United, Chiangmai FC, and Chiangmai United during his career, was often touted to be the next Thai star to make it out of the country and into greener pastures thanks to his consistent performances for both club and country, and he finally got the move that he deserved after impressing the Urawa coaching staff during his short training stint there along with fellow Muangthong players Jaroensak Wonggorn and Weerathep Pomphan.
Clearly inspired by the successes of Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan, and Supachok Sarachat at their respective Japanese clubs, Urawa decided to loan Ekanit from Muangthong for the next six months, with an option to make the move permanent should he perform well enough for the Reds.
“Ekanit is a player for the Thai national team and an attacking midfielder with slick skills. He has a high degree of tactical understanding and adaptability,” said Urawa in their official post announcing Ekanit’s signing, “Even though this is his first overseas transfer, we hope he can develop well.”
Ekanit himself was excited about the move, saying, “First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Muangthong United and Urawa Reds for giving me the opportunity to play in Urawa. I will do my best for the club. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans at the Saitama Stadium.”
The loan transfer, alongside Ekanit, Jaroensak, and Weerathep joining Urawa’s training sessions since May 3rd, was part of a partnership deal penned between Muangthong and Urawa in 2021, which saw the two clubs collaborating in exchanging young players and coaches as well as sharing knowledge in terms of technical-training methods. Previously, Urawa had sent youngsters Rei Kihara and Ryuya Fukushima to train alongside Muangthong’s first teamers in November of 2021, with the duo subsequently going out on loan to Nagano Parceiro and Kochi United respectively following their return from Thailand.