Kelantan have reportedly been interested in acquiring the services of Brazilian midfielder Wander Luiz Bitencourt Junior and Maldivian player Akram Abdul Ghanee as replacements for Jonatan Lucca and Dramane Traore for the second half of the Malaysia Super League (MSL).
The ex-Buriram FC player, who is currently a free agent, will arrive in Kota Bharu tomorrow to undergo a trial with the Pamoga Qu Puteh The Red Warriors (PQPTRW) squad, whereas the New Radiant player has already begun his trial with the club a couple of days ago.
Kelantan head coach Velizar Popov wants to take his time before deciding the replacements for Jonatan Lucca and Dramane Traore because he needs players that can make a difference.
They will undergo a fitness and medical test to determine their level of health as well as feature in a friendly match in order to understand their potential capabilities for the club.
“These two players (Wander and Akram) will be tested in a few friendlies before I decide whether they are up for the challenge,” Velizar Popov said as quoted by Utusan Malaysia.
“I need players who can step up in the starting eleven and not just warm the bench.
Velizar Popov also said that he has the full backing of Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa despite the ongoing issues (salary) that can affect the team.
“We all know it is extremely difficult to find the right players mid-way through the season.”
Kelantan were strengthened this season with the likes of Dramane Traore (Mali), Jonatan Lucca (Brazil), Blahze Ilijoski (Macedonia) dan Jonathan McKain (Australia) joining the team.
Dramane Traore has only managed to score three goals this season despite ending up as the topscorer last year and Jonatan Lucca has not scored a single goal since joining the club.
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