10 signings set to make an impact

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

10 signings set to make an impact

Kuala Lumpur: Ahead of the 2019 AFC Champions League group stage, we look at 10 new signings who could make the difference for their respective teams.

From the likes of household names in Keisuke Honda of Melbourne Victory and Bafetimbi Gomis at Al Hilal to prolific scorers like Al Ahli's Djaniny and Buriram United's Diogo, there will be plenty of new stars set to shine on Asian club football's grandest stage in this year's continental competition.

While the above have already spent several months at their new clubs, or previously appeared in the AFC Champions League, we look at some of the most recent signings and reveal what they could bring to their teams at the 2019 edition.

Beijing FC sign Zhang Yuning

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Beijing FC sign Zhang Yuning

Beijing: China PR’s Beijing FC have further bolstered their squad ahead of the 2019 season with the of signing Zhang Yuning from English club West Bromwich Albion.

Zhang began his professional career with Hangzhou Greentown after graduating from the club’s youth academy in 2015. Shortly after, the 22-year-old made a move to Eredivisie side SBV Vitesse for two years.

In 2017, Zhang signed with Albion, where he was subsequently loaned out to German club Werder Bremen and Netherlands side ADO Den Haag in 2018.

2019 AFC Champions League Media Guide Published

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2019 AFC Champions League Media Guide Published

Kuala Lumpur: The group stage of the 2019 AFC Champions League kicks off on March 4 and it promises, as all the previous editions were, to be a sizzler.

The Continent's top clubs will bid for supremacy and the-AFC.com gives a preview through the 2019 AFC Champions League media guide on the scintilatting action the Continent can expect.

Click here to view the complete 2019 AFC Champions League Media Guide

Argentine Velazquez returns to JDT

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Argentine Velazquez returns to JDT

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), preparing to make their AFC Champions League group stage debut, have re-signed Argentine striker Leandro Velazquez.

Velazquez is best remembered for scoring the winning goal in JDT's 1-0 triumph over FC Istiklol in the 2015 AFC Cup final.

The Argentine replaces Spanish attacking midfielder Aaron Niguez.

This year I want to be an ACL champion too, says Sho Ito

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

This year I want to be an ACL champion too, says Sho Ito

Ibaraki: Having joined AFC Champions League holders Kashima Antlers ahead of the 2019 season, and marked his debut with a goal in the Play-off win over Newcastle Jets, Sho Ito has his sights on Asian glory.

Of the 11 who started Tuesday's AFC Champions League Play-off for defending champions Kashima, only new signing Ito had not been a part of the historic triumph in Tehran last November.

But the former Yokohama F. Marinos forward took little time in adjusting to the continental game, opening the scoring at Kashima Soccer Stadium in the 18th minute with his maiden goal for the club.

Al Alawi: The best is yet to come for Al Rayyan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Alawi: The best is yet to come for Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan: Qatari side Al Rayyan will make their ninth appearance in the AFC Champions League following their 3-1 win over Islamic Republic of Iran's Saipa in Tuesday's play-off, and defender Mohammed Al Alawi believes that the 2019 edition could be a special one for The Lions.

So far the record reads: eight AFC Champions League appearances, eight AFC Champions League Group Stage eliminations for Al Rayyan.

But with a comeback win over Iranian side Saipa in the play-offs to confirm a ninth continental campaign, 2019 could be the year that breaks the knockout stage drought according to fullback Al Alawi.

Ulsan aiming high, says head coach Kim

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ulsan aiming high, says head coach Kim

Ulsan: Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai FC head coach Kim Do-hoon is confident his side can end their title-drought this season, having made major additions to their squad. 

Ulsan secured their place in the 2019 AFC Champions League Group Stage after recording an emphatic 5-1 win against Malaysia's Perak in a play-off tie on Tuesday.

The 2005 Continental champions won the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup in 2017 under Kim's management, and the 48-year-old coach wants the same success in the domestic league, as well as the AFC Champions League.