Category: News
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of towering Croatian forward Antonio Mance on a two-year contract as they strengthen their attacking ranks ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Standing at 1.90m, the 30-year-old adds a commanding physical presence to the Sailors’ frontline, along with sharp goalscoring instincts and the ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play.
Antonio arrives with a wealth of international experience, having built an extensive career across seven countries — Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, France, Hungary, Germany and Qatar — and tested himself in a variety of competitive environments. His résumé includes appearances in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, France’s Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds.
At international level, Antonio has represented Croatia at both Under-19 and Under-20 level.
Notably, he scored eight goals in 19 UEFA Europa League qualifying appearances for three different clubs between 2016 and 2019. These included a remarkable four-goal haul across two legs against Dutch giants Feyenoord, which helped Slovak side AS Trenčín secure a shock 5-1 aggregate victory in the third qualifying round in August 2018.
Antonio subsequently earned a move to French top-flight side FC Nantes the following January, before joining Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg for the 2023/24 season, where he recorded 15 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances to finish as the league’s second-highest scorer.
Antonio spent the past two seasons in Qatar with Umm Salal SC, where he continued to demonstrate his goalscoring qualities by contributing 26 goals and nine assists across 53 appearances.
An adaptable individual with considerable experience of playing abroad, Antonio is excited to begin the latest chapter of his career in Singapore, and hopes to make his experience count for the Sailors.
“I’m very happy to join Lion City Sailors and be part of this ambitious project,” he said. “I’ve played in many countries and leagues, so I’m looking forward to bringing my experience here, helping the team, and adding positive energy to the dressing room.
“Most importantly, I want to score goals, contribute to the team’s success and make our fans happy. I know this club has ambitions to achieve something big in the AFC Champions League Two, and I’m excited to help the team push towards that objective.”
Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas welcomed Mance’s arrival, and highlighted the qualities the Croatian will bring to the side.
“Antonio is a complete centre-forward; he’s two-footed and very strong in the air,” said the Spaniard. “His physical attributes, excellent movement inside the box and ability to link up with his teammates will be key to the style of play we want to develop.”
Jesús also emphasised the value of assembling a competitive and complementary group of forwards as the Sailors prepare to challenge on multiple fronts.
“Next season we’ll be facing different types of opponents and defensive systems in the ACL Two and the Shopee Cup, so having depth in this area will provide us with a range of options in key matches,” he said.
“What’s more, we have different types of forwards who can complement each other. Competition will also be fierce for places in every position, and that will drive us to improve.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of former French Ligue 1 forward Matthias Phaëton from Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract and arrives in Singapore with a reputation for explosive pace, direct attacking play, and clinical finishing — qualities that will add another dimension to the Sailors’ frontline as the club prepares for a demanding campaign across domestic and continental competitions.
Notably, Matthias turned down an offer from Turkish side Bursaspor in favour of joining the Sailors, underlining his belief in the club’s vision and ambitions.
“From the first conversations with the Sailors, I could feel the ambition and the project they are building here,” said Matthias. “The club has big dreams and is doing everything possible to push the boundaries and take football in this country to the next level. It’s a challenge that really interests me, and I’m excited to create history in Singapore.”
Matthias spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Swiss Super League side FC Zürich, where he impressed with eight goals in 27 appearances. Before joining CSKA Sofia in 2023, he established himself in France, making close to 90 appearances in Ligue 2, while also featuring four times in Ligue 1 for Guingamp.
On the international stage, Matthias has earned 34 caps and scored 12 goals for Guadeloupe, representing and scoring for the Caribbean nation at three editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Earlier in his career, he also represented France at Under-17 level, highlighting the pedigree that has shaped his development.
Comfortable playing both on the left wing and as a central striker, the 1.85m Matthias provides the Sailors with greater attacking versatility, while adding speed, physicality and a proven goal threat in the final third.
“Matthias is a player we’ve been following closely, and we’re delighted that he has decided to join us despite receiving other offers from Europe,” said Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas. “He brings valuable experience from European football and key qualities to the style of play we want to build.
“Most importantly, he has the ambition and determination to contribute to what we’re building here. We believe he’ll settle in well to life in Singapore and make a real impact in our attack.”
Matthias is relishing the challenge ahead as the Sailors target improved performances in the AFC Champions League Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“I know the expectations at this club are very high. We have to go out and try to win every game, while also producing strong performances in Asian competitions,” he said. “I enjoy that kind of challenge, and I’ll do everything I can to help take this club to another level in the region.”
The Lion City Sailors will begin their quest for a third consecutive Singapore Premier League (SPL) title against Hougang United at Bishan Stadium on Saturday, 12 September.
The match comes six days after the season-opening Community Shield clash against last season’s runners-up Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday, 6 September.
It will be the third straight season that the Sailors have faced Hougang on Matchday One — a fixture that has proven a good omen in the past two campaigns.
The Sailors beat the Cheetahs 4-1 in their opening game en route to winning the 2024/25 title, before beginning last season with a 2-1 victory over the same opponents as they successfully defended their crown and claimed a third SPL title since the club’s inception in 2020.
Jesús Casas’ men will play their first home league match of the season against Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday, 11 October — following the three-week FIFA international break spanning late September and early October.
The champions will then face a busy run of three matches in eight days, where they visit FC Jurong on Sunday, 18 October, before returning home to face Tampines on Wednesday, 21 October and Tanjong Pagar United four days later.
The fixtures for the 2026/27 SPL season were officially released by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) on Friday, 24 July.
As with last season, the league will be contested in a triple round-robin format, with the Sailors playing a total of 21 matches.
Fans looking forward to the traditionally fiercely contested encounters between the Sailors and Tampines should also mark two other dates in their calendars: Sunday, 7 March, when the Sailors host the Stags, and Saturday, 24 April, when the two sides meet at Our Tampines Hub.
The Sailors’ full SPL fixture list for the new season can be accessed here. Do note that fixtures are subject to change over the course of the season.
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The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of promising young full-back Jorge Karseladze from Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave on a two-year contract.
Comfortable operating as both a traditional full-back and an advanced wing-back, the 21-year-old – also known as Karse – brings pace, dynamism and tactical intelligence to the Sailors’ defensive ranks. His attacking qualities will also add another dimension in the wide areas as the club prepares for a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
A product of Rio Ave’s esteemed academy, Karse progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making three appearances in the Portuguese top flight. He continued his development last season during a loan spell with Liga 3 outfit Académica de Coimbra, where he featured eight times.
It is a familiar path to that taken by current Sailors left-back Diogo Costa, who also spent time with Académica before moving to Singapore in 2025.
Born in Portugal and eligible to represent both Portugal and Georgia, Karse has represented the latter up to the Under-21 level. Most recently, he made four appearances in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers between September and November 2025.
(Photo: Rio Ave)
“I’m very excited to join the Lion City Sailors and begin this new chapter in my career,” said Karse. “I’ve heard a lot about the club’s professionalism and its ambition to transform football in this country. That was a big reason why I decided to come here.
“I’m an attack-minded player, but my priority is, of course, to fulfil my defensive responsibilities as well. I want to establish myself as an important player for the team and help the club achieve its ambitions in international competitions.”
Sailors Director of Football Luka Lalić welcomed Karse’s arrival, and highlighted how well his profile fits the team’s evolving style of play.
“Karse represents the modern full-back – quick, energetic on the ball and tactically adaptable to the demands of both defending and attacking,” said Lalić.
“We have a challenging season ahead across several competitions, so it is important to have strong foreign and local options in every position to cope with the physical demands. Karse has already gained experience in a highly competitive environment in Portugal, and we believe he has the potential to become a very good player for us.”
There will be a strong Lion City Sailors representation at the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, with a total of 11 players from the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions being named in Gavin Lee’s final 25-man Singapore National Team squad.
Lions and Sailors captain Hariss Harun is set to feature in the biennial regional tournament for a record eighth time, having previously played in the 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 editions.
He will be joined by Lionel Tan, Nur Adam Abdullah, Hami Syahin, Kyoga Nakamura, Song Uiyoung, Shawal Anuar, as well as the Sailors’ four new local signings Ryhan Stewart, Glenn Kweh, Farhan Zulkifli, and Ilhan Fandi – forming a strong core that will represent Singapore with pride as they chase a fifth regional title and their first since 2012.
The Lions will kick off their 2026 Hyundai Cup campaign away against Cambodia this Friday, 24 July. They will then host Timor-Leste at the Jalan Besar Stadium three days later, before facing Vietnam away on Friday, 31 July.
The group stage concludes with a tense showdown with Indonesia back at home the following Friday, 7 August.
We wish our Lions representatives the best in the upcoming tourney.
All photos courtesy of Football Association of Singapore
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of Singapore international Ilhan Fandi on a two-year contract, as the club continues to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
One of Singapore’s brightest footballing talents, the 23-year-old forward returns home after valuable spells in Belgium and Thailand, where he tested himself against different styles of play and gained experience at a higher level.
Ilhan signed for Belgian second-tier side KMSK Deinze in December 2022, before joining BG Pathum United in July 2024. His impressive performances saw him named Young Player of the Tournament in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, before he spent last season on loan with Buriram United.
The move marks a homecoming for the third son of Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad, as Ilhan returns to the league where he first announced himself. He was named Singapore Premier League (SPL) Young Player of the Year in 2022 after scoring 17 goals to finish as the league’s top local scorer and help Albirex Niigata (S) lift the league title, earning his move overseas soon after.
Ilhan has also underlined his growing stature on the international stage. In Singapore’s decisive AFC Asian Cup qualifier away to Hong Kong last November, he came off the bench with the Lions trailing 1-0 to set up Shawal Anuar’s equaliser, before unleashing a stunning long-range winner to seal a famous comeback and send Singapore to the Asian Cup on merit for the first time.
Known for his intelligent movement, technical quality, and ability to combine with those around him, Ilhan offers far more than goals alone. Comfortable operating across the frontline, he links play effectively, creates chances for teammates, and possesses the composure to make a difference in decisive moments.
Sailors Director of Football Luka Lalić, who has known Ilhan since childhood, believes the forward is ready to take the next step in his career.
“I’ve known Ilhan since he was eight years old, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey,” said Lalić. “He has always had exceptional talent, but what stands out now is his maturity, work ethic and understanding of the game. His experiences overseas have shaped him into a more complete player.
“His performances for the national team have shown the quality he possesses. He’s intelligent, selfless in the way he links play, and has the mentality to deliver in big moments. We believe he’ll play an important role in helping us compete for honours across every competition.”
For Ilhan, the opportunity to work under Head Coach Jesús Casas, play regular high-level football, and continue his development ahead of the AFC Asian Cup were all key factors behind his decision to join the Sailors.
“Coach Jesús has worked with some of the best players in the world and our conversations have only made me more excited to start this new chapter under him,” said Ilhan.
“I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person through my experiences overseas, but I feel this is the right project for me at this stage of my career. This club has ambitions not just to be successful in Singapore, but also to become one of the region’s top clubs – and that’s something I want to be part of.
“With the Asian Cup coming up in January, it’s also important for me to be playing regularly and competing in tournaments such as the Shopee Cup and ACL (AFC Champions League) Two. I want to put myself in the best possible position to contribute to Singapore, and I believe joining the Sailors gives me the most ideal environment to keep improving while helping the club achieve its goals and my personal goals.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Brazilian centre-back Hugo Gomes on a two-year contract, as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Standing at an imposing 1.87m, the 31-year-old brings physicality, aerial dominance and composure to a Sailors backline that will be challenged on both the domestic and continental fronts next season.
A former Brazil Under-20 international, Hugo joins the club following a successful three-year spell with Vietnamese side Công An Hà Nội FC, where he played an integral role in one of the country’s most successful teams in recent years. During his time there, the club lifted three trophies across two seasons — including the 2025/26 V.League 1 title — and also finished runners-up in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Hugo also brings a wealth of overseas experience, having plied his trade in Spain, Portugal, South Korea and Qatar. Remarkably, he won three consecutive Liga Portugal 2 titles between 2020 and 2023 with three different clubs — Estoril, Rio Ave, and Moreirense — and has amassed more than 100 appearances in Portugal’s second tier.
“Hugo is an experienced and accomplished defender who will add further quality and depth to our squad,” said Sailors Director of Football Luka Lalić.
“He has competed in different football environments and understands what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. His game intelligence, composure on the ball, and defensive qualities will complement the players we already have, while giving us greater competition across the squad. We believe he will be an important addition as we compete on multiple fronts this season.”
Having faced both the Sailors and fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Tampines Rovers in continental competitions over the past two seasons, Gomes believes Singapore football is heading in the right direction and is excited to play his part in its continued progress.
“I’m someone who’s always motivated by new challenges, and this Sailors project is one I’m very excited to be part of,” said Gomes. “This is a club with strong ambition and a clear vision. I can see the hunger within the squad to keep improving and to help take football in Singapore to the next level.
“Singaporean clubs have shown they can now compete against some of the best teams in the region. The Sailors reaching the ACL Two final last year was a fantastic achievement, and Tampines have also produced some good performances in Asia. Those results show the quality that exists in Singapore football, and that’s one of the reasons I am excited by this opportunity.
“I want to bring everything I’ve learnt from playing in different countries to help the team continue growing. Our objectives are clear: to stay at the top domestically and to go as far as we can in Asia.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Singapore international Glenn Kweh on a two-year contract, further strengthening the club’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
The dynamic left-footed winger joins the Sailors following his departure from fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Tampines Rovers, where he registered 16 goals and 22 assists across three seasons.
After several years of steady development, the 2025/26 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Glenn. He underlined his growing pedigree on the continental stage by scoring away against South Korean giants Pohang Steelers in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two while representing Tampines, before netting a superb brace for Singapore against regional rivals Thailand in an international friendly.
Known for his relentless work rate, tireless running, and ability to progress play, the 26-year-old is set to add energy and dynamism to the Sailors’ attack. Able to play on either flank, Glenn will give the Sailors greater depth and flexibility in the wide areas.
Expressing his excitement at taking the next step in his career, Glenn said, “I feel really proud to be joining the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, and that perfectly aligns with my own aspirations to keep developing as a player.
“I’ve grown a lot during my time at Tampines and I’m grateful to the club for giving me the platform to develop. Now I’m hungry to keep improving. I want to contribute goals and assists, and help the Sailors achieve success on multiple fronts.”
With 16 AFC Champions League Two appearances already to his name, as well as 31 caps for the Singapore national team since making his senior debut in 2022, Glenn brings valuable experience at both club and international level as the Sailors continue to strengthen their squad with top local talent.
“Glenn is a player who will bring intensity and positivity to the team. His versatility, work rate and willingness to put in the yards for the team will be a real asset for us,” said Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas.
“He has grown tremendously over the past year and has already shown that he can perform in high-level matches. We believe he has the potential to continue developing and reach an even higher level with us in the seasons ahead.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Singapore international Ryhan Stewart on a three-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2028/29 season.
The energetic full-back returns to Singapore after gaining valuable overseas experience in both Thailand’s top flight and Lithuania over the past few years. Renowned for his dynamism down the flanks, strong one-on-one defending, and relentless work rate, Ryhan will add quality and depth to the Sailors’ defensive ranks.
The 26-year-old joins the Sailors following his departure from Kanchanaburi Power, where he made 25 appearances in the recently concluded 2025/26 Thai League 1 season, contributing two goals and three assists. He also featured in the 2023/24 AFC Champions League with fellow Thai side BG Pathum United.
Since making his Singapore debut in 2022, Ryhan has established himself as a regular for the Lions, earning 34 international caps to date.
Welcoming the club’s latest addition, Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas said: “Ryhan is a player we’ve admired for some time. He brings intensity, discipline and a strong mentality from his experiences abroad. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch fits perfectly with how we want to play.
“We’re confident he will play an important role as we continue building a competitive and ambitious squad.”
Entering what should be the prime years of his career, Ryhan is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a club with ambitions not only to dominate domestically, but also to continue making strides on the continental stage.
“It’s a proud moment for me to sign for a club with the ambition and stature of the Sailors. Playing abroad has helped me grow tremendously, both as a player and as a person, and I’m excited to bring that experience back home,” he said.
“There will be plenty of big matches in the seasons ahead, and I can’t wait to get started with the team. I’ll give everything for this badge and do my utmost to help the club win every trophy possible for our fans.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of one of Singapore’s most exciting attacking talents, Farhan Zulkifli, ahead of the 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
The dynamic winger joins the reigning league champions on a two-year deal after several impressive seasons with Hougang United, where his pace, direct running, and ability to beat defenders established him as one of the league’s most dangerous wide players.
Farhan’s immense potential was evident from a young age. He found the net just 12 minutes into his SPL debut against Home United in June 2019, becoming the league’s second-youngest goalscorer at the time at 16 years and 231 days.
Since then, the 23-year-old has gone on to make more than 100 appearances across seven SPL seasons, winning the 2022 Singapore Cup with the Cheetahs. His performances in the recent 2025/26 campaign also earned him a nomination for the SPL Young Player of the Year award.
Farhan’s move to the Sailors marks an exciting new chapter in his career as he joins a side competing at the highest level domestically while harbouring lofty ambitions on the continental stage. His explosiveness, creativity and willingness to take on defenders will add another dimension to the Sailors’ already potent attack.
“Farhan is undoubtedly one of the top talents in Singapore football right now,” said Sailors’ Director of Football Luka Lalić. “His speed and directness will give us an edge in the wide areas, and we believe he has the hunger and mentality to develop even further in our environment.
“He will bring plenty of excitement with his style of play, and we are confident he will become an even better player for both our team and the Singapore national team.”
Set to link up with several familiar faces from the national team, Farhan, who has earned 11 caps for Singapore, is relishing the prospect of competing in the AFC Champions League Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
With the Sailors targeting deep runs in both competitions while aiming to retain their domestic crown, the winger is eager to contribute to the club’s ambitions on all fronts.
“I’m really grateful to Hougang United for giving me the platform to grow as a player and as a person,” said the winger. “Now I’m ready for the next challenge, and joining the Sailors gives me the best opportunity to continue developing myself.
“I want to learn from some top players here, push myself to the highest level, and most importantly play an important role in a team that is challenging for every trophy.”
