The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the loan signing of experienced Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin for the 2025/26 season, bolstering the club’s defensive ranks as the Sailors gear up for another pivotal campaign both at home and on the continental stage.
Widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s finest and most dependable defenders, Safuwan – who has earned 124 caps for Singapore – brings leadership, composure, and a wealth of experience to the Sailors’ backline.
The 33-year-old made history in 2015 as the first Singaporean to play in Australia’s A-League with Melbourne City, before cementing his reputation across the Causeway with a number of clubs in the Malaysia Super League over the past decade.
Safuwan joins the Sailors on loan from Selangor FC, as the club builds on a 2024/25 season that saw the team win the Community Shield, Singapore Premier League (SPL), and Singapore Cup. The Sailors also became the first Singaporean club to reach the final of a major Asian club competition in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
“Safuwan is a proven top player in the region. His calming presence, winning mentality and versatility will add valuable strength and depth to our squad,” said Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang.
The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Safuwan, who began his professional career in 2009 with the Young Lions, before joining the LionsXII in 2012, where he won the Malaysia Super League and the Malaysia FA Cup. He then moved abroad to join Melbourne City on loan, before plying his trade in Malaysia with the likes of PDRM, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.
He is now excited to be part of the Sailors’ ambitious voyage — one that will see him reunite with familiar national teammates such as Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, and Shawal Anuar.
“I’m very excited to be part of a team that’s doing everything it can to raise the bar for Singapore football,” said the Singapore stalwart. “I followed the club’s run in last season’s ACL Two closely — it was something truly inspiring for the country. The club’s lofty ambitions are very much aligned with my own goals, and I’m ready to help us reach even greater heights this season.”
Safuwan will begin training with the Sailors next week as the club kickstarts pre-season preparations for a massive campaign ahead — one where they aim to defend their domestic titles and make further strides in both the ACL Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
