{"id":22079,"date":"2020-02-10T20:28:31","date_gmt":"2020-02-10T11:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/?p=22079"},"modified":"2020-02-10T20:30:19","modified_gmt":"2020-02-10T11:30:19","slug":"thai-league-transfer-window-grades-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/2020\/02\/10\/thai-league-transfer-window-grades-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Thai League Transfer Window Grades 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the Thai League transfer window now slammed shut, it is time to pass judgment on how well each side did in terms of recruitment heading into 2020. Football Tribe’s\u00a0Gian Chansrichawla<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Obb Deewajin<\/strong><\/a> discuss and evaluate each side’s dealings in the market, and what it could suggest for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

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Credit – Buriram United Official<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bangkok United: B<\/h3>\n

Consistency is key in football, and Bangkok United made a smart investment by simply keeping the core of last season’s squad together. They also managed to strengthen in defensive midfield by bringing in Hajime Hosogai, who will be crucial in bringing defensive stability as well as helping them advance play from the back. However, the big mark against them was allowing Nelson Bonilla to depart near the end of the transfer window, and bringing in a replacement with only two weeks to prepare before the start of the season (Gian).<\/p>\n

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Buriram United: C<\/h3>\n

At Buriram United, finishing the season without a trophy to your name is a crime. We all expected the Thunder Castle to respond in a BIG way to their trophyless 2019 campaign, but it doesn’t seem to have been the case. Bernardo Cuesta and Ricardo Bueno seem like talented players up front, but it remains to be seen if they can finally replace the legacy of Diogo Luis Santo. Additionally, while Jung Jae-Yong adds an imposing physical presence to the midfield, the side are still sorely lacking a creative player in the middle of the park.<\/p>\n

Another reason to mark the Thunder Castle down is their refusal to spend money on local players. The side thought they had secured Jaturapat Sattham from Chainat before capitulating to a higher bid from Port FC. This is a small example, but it illuminates the larger transfer principle at Buriram, where the side refuse to spend money on securing top local players, or even foreigners from other Thai League clubs.<\/p>\n

For more analysis on how Buriram’s signings could fit into their system for next season, read my analysis here<\/a>. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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BG Pathum United: C-<\/h3>\n

BG Pathum United marked their return to top-flight football by securing the services of box-to-box midfielder Thitiphan Puangchan, who spent 2019 with J1 League side Oita Trinita. The arrival of \u00c1lvaro Silva and Victor Cardozo, alongside Irfan Fandi who was already there, puts BGPU into the shout of having the best set on center-backs in the league. For years, the Rabbits have been crying out for a reliable right-back and judging by his pre-season form, Santipap Channgom, a low-key signing from Police Tero FC, could be the solution.<\/p>\n

While BGPU defensive line may be strong, their midfield and attacking options are much more chaotic. Where does new recruit, Sumanya Purisai or Peerapong Pichitchotirat, fit in BGPU\u2019s midfield where Thitiphan is a guaranteed starter? Same for Siroch Chatthong and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, both good players on their own, but where do they play? Head coach Dusit Chalermsan generally plays with wingbacks, not wingers, and neither Siroch or Norshahrul are better finishers than Barros Tardeli. The Brazilian forward finished the season with 39 goals to his name in two seasons, albeit in the second division. Lineup and poor friendlies performances showed Dusit is scrambling to find his preferred XI. BGPU can sign all the good players they want, but it won\u2019t lead to a functioning football team. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Chiangrai United: C<\/h3>\n

Reigning champions Chiangrai United appointed Masami Taki as their new head coach for 2020 and the transition from Ailton to the Japanese coach head has been pretty smooth so far. The Beetles did well to keep the core of the team together despite heavy interest for stars such as Ekanit Panya or Sivakorn Tiatrakul. Thin squad depth, especially in defense, was a massive concern last season – Chutiphan Nobnorb, formerly of Army United, will provide adequate backup at center-back. The versatile Chotipat Poomkeaw returned a much stronger player after a full season of top-flight football with Chiangmai FC – he was great throughout pre-season and will be perfect to slowly replace Piyaphon Phanichakul, 32, at right-wingback.<\/p>\n

William Henrique was their X factor in the final third in 2019 but his successor, Mailson, is finding it tough to get going and looks extremely low of confidence. Bill Rosimar is having to shoulder big attacking responsibility at the moment, and Mailson may come good at the end, but all of this uncertainty could\u2019ve been avoided with Chiangrai were more meticulous with their recruitment. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Credit – Port FC Official<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chonburi FC: D<\/h3>\n

“Let me be clear – any young players, good enough for the first team, will get their chance!” That was Sasom Pobprasert’s promise on his first press conference as Chonburi FC head coach. But two transfer window into his reign and all Sasom achieved so far is clogging’s young sharks pathway to senior football by signing loads of 30+ veterans, many of which is his former players. At the peak of their powers, Kazuto Kushida and Adul Lahsoh would outplay any T1 midfield, unfortunately, this isn’t 2012 anymore. More importantly, what does the return of these two legends mean to the development of Kritsada Kaman, Saharat Sontisawat or Worachit Kanitsribampen?<\/p>\n

On a slightly more positive note, defender Koravit Namwiset is a decent signing from the disbanded PTT Rayong FC. Same for striker Dragan Boskovic, another free signing, who was shunned out by Port FC at the second leg of 2019. Carli de Murga is an experience Philippines international, still, with Chonburi\u2019s poor history of integrating SEA talents, one wonders how much effect the center-back can have on the team. These three could be huge hit-or-miss deals for Chonburi FC. But with the club having already missed out on the top 5 spots for 3 years straight and still struggling to rebuild their first-team squad, we don\u2019t think taking a risk on experienced names as a short -term fix is the answer. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Muangthong United: D<\/h3>\n

While most of the focus will be on the outgoing moves, the main mistake for the Kirin was the transfers they didn’t make. All players are replaceable, and cutting the wage budget should be a top priority for long-term sustainability. That being said, allowing Heberty and Chappuis to both move to a direct rival in Port FC seems misjudged, especially given that other clubs were also interested in their players. The charity drive the club was running at the SCG this holiday season could have at least made to mitigate the damage done by their decisions, but apparently that was too much to ask for.<\/p>\n

However, their repeated failed attempts to sign an AFC midfielder, and letting Magno Cruz slip after already scheduling a press conference with him, was a fairly dysmal state of affairs for the club. One hopes that they will smartly reinvest the money they’ve earned from this window, but their first attempt at it doesn’t inspire much hope. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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Nakhon Ratchasima FC: B-<\/h3>\n

The appointment of \u201cCoach Joe\u201d Teerasak Po-on, to start the club\u2019s evolution to a more possession-baed team, is an exciting one for the Swat Cat fans. The loan-signing of attacking midfielder Wongsakorn Chaikultewin from SCG Muangthong United is a great piece of business. The 23-year old was outstanding for the newly-promoted Trat FC in 2019, became the heart of the team with his vision and excellent passing, he will add much-needed creativity to Nakhon Ratchasima midfield. Kittipong Wongma, Anon Samakorn or Adisak Hantes offered decent squad depth.<\/p>\n

7 goals in 15 for PTT Rayong in the 2nd leg of 2019 was enough to convince coach Joe to bring Dennis Murillo along with to the northeast. Whether the Brazilian forward can fill up the void left by Bernard Henry Doumbia remains to be seen. But the stats prove he is good enough for the league and knows how to play under Teerasak. The side maybe needs another solid center-back and definitely another right-back. Still, overall a fine window by Nakhon Ratchasima who got the balance between quality and quantity just about right. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Port FC: C<\/h3>\n

Port have once again repeated the same strategy of the past two seasons; sign the biggest name players, regardless of whether or not they fit the overall system. The biggest issue is the fact that the Klongtoey side once again failed to sign a central striker (or ‘number 9’), which has been plaguing them for what seems like a number of years now. History has repeated itself with the signing of Heberty, as the club judged their striker solely on goalscoring prowess and ignored where and how he would fit into the team, just as they did with Dragan Boskovic back in 2017.<\/p>\n

However, there is a hope that Heberty’s talent alone will be enough to shine through regardless of the system he plays in, but once again clearly demonstrates that Port are not making the best use of their resources. The side have also padded out the rest of their squad with young players such as Jaturapat Sattham, Chatmongkol Thongkiri, Tanasith Sriphala and so on, but the success of those moves can only be judged once we see how much emphasis the club places on their development. Their latest signing, Charyl Chappuis from Muangthong, again adds talent and flair to what looks like the most exciting side in the league, but again leaves us to wonder about the system. It is hard to evaluate these moves because many of them raise more questions than answers. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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Credit – PT Prachuap FC Official<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prachuap: A<\/h3>\n

PT Prachuap followed up their 2019 League Cup success with a stellar transfer window, catching attention with the signing of Chiangrai United\u2019s talisman, William Henrique. This is Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul\u2019s 4th season with the Killer Wasp and the club know exactly what the head coach has in mind. In someway, Thawatchai\u2019s template is simple; sign big, towering, foreigners for the back-3. Get a target man who can hold up play and dominate the penalty box. Surround said target man with fast, skillful, wide-attackers. And Ta-dah! You got yourself a Thawatchai-dreamteam.<\/p>\n

This formula worked wonders in 2018 with Jonatan Reis and Lonsana Doumbouya but not so much with different players in 2019. However, for Thai League 2020, Prachuap turned to more of Thai League proven talents and make use of their SEA slots. Yanto Basna, Soukaphone Vongchiengkham, Baihakki Khaizan and Iain Ramsay all had a fine 2019 and will give Thawatchai plenty of depth and tactical flexibility. Tying goalkeeper, Kwanchai Suklom, on a permanent deal from Buriram United is also another transfer masterstroke. On the whole, a productive window from Prachuap. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Police Tero: B-<\/h3>\n

Promoted alongside BG Pathum United, Tero will be hoping to make a splash upon their return to the big time and remind the fans of the old glory days. While the club’s signings haven’t set the world alight, they do give the Fire Dragons solid hope of survival.<\/p>\n

The side have signed Dominic Tan from Malaysian champions JDT on a permanent deal, which already seems like an incredibly smart acquisition with high resale value Ekkachai Samre from Bangkok United and Arthit Boodjinda from Port FC also seem like intelligent and experienced additions to the squad. Just as important are keeping hold of prized assets Thithathorn and Thithavee Aksornsri, the twins who performed excellently for Thailand at the AFC U23 Championships.<\/p>\n

However, the side are missing creativity in midfield and failed to secure an extension on their loan deal for Muangthong midfielder Sorawit Panthong. Additionally, their move for Brazilian striker Matheus Alves means that one of either Simon Dia or Greg Houla will have to make way, and their new forward doesn’t seem like a significant upgrade on either. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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Ratchaburi: C<\/h3>\n

Some people may feel this grade for Ratchaburi is a bit harsh; after all, they kept their foreign contingent together and added some exciting local creative talent to their squad. While Nurul Sriyankem and Chitpanya Tisud bring flair and creativity to the team, it is hard to see them fit into the side which already hosts attackers Steeven Langil. Yannick Boli, Lossemy Karaboue, Javier Patino and Jakkaphan Pornsai. This attack-heavy side could struggle in terms of organization in other areas of the pitch, which will be all the more worrying if they continue to have the inconsistency in terms of coaching which plagued the side last season.<\/p>\n

Their C grade only comes from the logic that having too many parts is better than too few and that their squad depth has significantly improved as a result of their transfer splurge. However, the temptation to try and fit all the parts into a single system, especially in the absence of a coach with a clear vision for the side, the excess of riches the Dragons have accumulated in this transfer window could end up being more of a curse than a blessing. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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Rayong FC: D<\/h3>\n

Experience seem to be the key criteria Rayong FC look for, as the club prepare for their debut Thai League season. Goalkeeper Todsaporn Sri-reung arrived with over a hundred top flight appearance under his belt for clubs such as Army United, BEC Tero Sasana, Pattaya United and recently Trat FC. Boosting the attack comes, 2 times FA Cup winner Suppasek Kaikaew, formerly of Bangkok United, Chonburi FC and BG Pathum United and 34 years old playmaker Warut Supphaso. Ball-winning midfielder Decha Sa-ardchom will add competition and act as a decent cover for captain Anuchit Ngoenbukkol. Still, these are mostly players in the later stage of their career. Ones who are probably to just about too good for T2 but not enough to make a difference on the centre stage.<\/p>\n

As for foreign imports, keeping T2 top scorer Tiago Chulapa with the team is a huge positive for The Dragon Horses. Thai League veteran, Bireme Diouf, guarantees you a handful of goals, but remember, the striker is turning 36 this year and I wouldn\u2019t bet on him scoring more than ten – at least, not in this Rayong side. Leandro Resida showed glimpses of individual magic during his time with Chainat Hornbill but the ex-VVV-Venlo winger is coming back from a nasty injury, and with joining a new club, one doesn\u2019t expect to see him hit the ground running. If Rayong FC is going to survive, it\u2019ll be down to their collective effort, not one or two outstanding individual. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Credit – Sukhothai FC Official<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Samut Prakan City: B<\/h3>\n

The fact Samut Prakan City were able to keep their core of exciting Thai players together is often overlooked. Their new head coach, Masatada Ishii, also comes with a high reputation – great work by the club for landing such a well-respected coach. Can Pedro Junior, on his own, replace Ibson Melo\u2019s scoring output? Probably not. But judging from the limited information we have about Samut Prakan City\u2019s pre-season, it feels as though Ishii is trying to have the side shared the goalscoring responsibility around.<\/p>\n

There is a good player in Ernesto Phumipha, if Ishii can unlock the wingback\u2019s potential then this could be a massive coup for them. Similar to Thai U19 forward Matee Sarakum – potentially a decent player, currently an adequate backup. Japanese midfielder, Yuto Ono, 28, is one interesting signing – having played in Mexico between 2010-15. Last season, the Sea Fang faced a difficult period when their center-backs were injured last season; Tatsuya Sakai, signed from J2 League side Montedio Yamagata, and Nattapon Malapun, a Thai international and 2019 League Cup winner with PT Prachuap FC, will be fighting for that starting place alongside Aris Zarifovi\u0107. All in all, were Samut Prakan City smart with their business – none of their signings look out of place. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Sukhothai: A-<\/h3>\n

This transfer window was nothing short of incredible from the Firebats. After recruiting the promising Surapong Kongthep as their new boss, the side went on to sign Brazilian forwards Ibson Melo and Evandro Paulista, who together with John Baggio make one of the strongest forward lines in the league. Surapong also used his connections with former Muangthong players to pad out the squad and signed Rayong’s Peerapong Ruenin in goal. All of these moves could make Sukhothai major overperformers next season. However, the tiniest mark against them comes in failing to significantly strengthen their defense (other than Nukoolkit Krutyai from Muangthong) and not adding a creative midfielder to their ranks after being heavily linked to a move with Chappuis which fell through. Relying on their front line may not be enough to fully transition to coach Surapong Kongthep’s possession-based style, but certainly makes for an excellent bit of recruitment. (Gian)<\/p>\n

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Suphanburi: D<\/h3>\n

Credits to Suphanburi FC for getting their transfer in early – revealing 12 new players in December of 2019. Six of those are up and coming Thai youngsters except for Jirawat Thongsangphrao. The left-back had a fine season with Ratchaburi FC and is certainly an upgrade from former-Thai international, Natthaphong Samana.<\/p>\n

There is also a Thai League return for Philippines international Patrick Reichelt and Singapore international Zulfahmi Arifin, formerly of Port FC and Chonburi FC, respectively. Suphanburi scored the fewest goals for in 2019 – to resolve the issue, they brought in Felipe Amorim from the Brazilian second tier. Teaming up with Felipe is compatriot Eliandro, a hardworking target man with a thunderous shot, who joined from the relegated Chiangmai FC.\u00a0 The club should\u2019ve been relegated if it wasn\u2019t for PTT Rayong FC folding. Still, most of their signings are not encouraging. For the entire 2019, Suphanburi looks like a side craving for inspiration in the final third and there is little to suggest Eliandro, Felipe or Reichelt is the solution. Guess we\u2019ll have to wait and see how they play together but I\u2019m not putting my money on it. (Obb)<\/p>\n

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Trat: C-<\/h3>\n

Trat had an encouraging first season in the Thai League, as the White Elephants impressed the league by registering a 10th place finish. However, the side have lost Thai League top scorer Lonsana Doumbouya to Chinese side Meizhou Hakka and struggled to replace him adequately. Ricardo Santos from Chainat brings a lot of excellent off-the-ball work and holdup play, but he will struggle to replace the goal output of the former Guinea international. Korean attacker Kang-Soo Il looks like an interesting addition to the side as well, but overall their foreign roster seems very front-heavy and out of balance.<\/p>\n

The main issue is the fact they have struggled to replace many of their local contingent who were at the club on loan deals, including the creative talents of Wongsakorn Chaikultewin of Muangthong United. In defense, Filipino international Amani Aguinaldo seems a solid addition, joining the club after an unsuccessful trial at K-League side Incheon United, but he will struggle to make up for two major losses in defense, Baihakki Khaizan, and Nukoolkit Krutyai, who have joined Prachuap and Sukhothai respectively. Ultimately, while they have focused on foreign recruitment once again, the side’s local core of players seems sorely lacking and the number of departures could compound their woes of second-season syndrome. (Gian)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the Thai League transfer window now slammed shut, it is time to pass judgment on how well each side did in terms of recruitment heading into 2020. Football Tribe’s\u00a0Gian Chansrichawla\u00a0and\u00a0Obb Deewajin discuss and evaluate each side’s dealings in the market, and what it could suggest for the upcoming season.   Bangkok United: B Consistency is key in football, and Bangkok United made a smart investment by simply keeping the core of last season’s squad together. They also managed to strengthen in defensive midfield by bringing in Hajime Hosogai, who will be crucial in bringing defensive stability as well as helping them advance play from the back. However, the big … Continue reading “Thai League Transfer Window Grades 2020”<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":22083,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,1638],"tags":[1832,220,680,1873,1880,95,200,68,1887],"class_list":["post-22079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thailand","category-transfer-news","tag-bg-pathum-united","tag-buriram-united","tag-chiangrai-united","tag-muangthong","tag-port","tag-slider","tag-thai-league","tag-thailand","tag-transfer-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22079"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22089,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22079\/revisions\/22089"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}