The Lion City Sailors have signed Spanish teenage left-back Sergio Carmona Pérez for the upcoming 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season. 

Blessed with speed, a strong physique, and good technical abilities, the 19-year-old will fill the first of three permitted Under-21 foreign players’ slots for the Sailors’ SPL squad, and provide competition for Christopher van Huizen in the starting left-back spot. 

Carmona most recently played for AD Unión Adarve in the fourth-tier of Spanish football, making three Segunda Federación appearances in the ongoing 2023/24 season. 

Prior to that, he was in Alcorcón’s age-group teams till the Under-19 level, and also represented CD Toledo in the Spanish fifth division. 

And ultimately, it was a burning desire to carve out a successful professional footballing career that led Carmona to the Lion City. 

“When I got the offer from the Sailors, I didn’t think twice, because I’ve always been playing on youth contracts in Spain,” the Madrid-born defender said. “I want this chance to prove that I’m capable of becoming a professional footballer, and I feel this is the right place to show my credentials.” 

Having already started in a couple of pre-season friendlies, Carmona is determined to push hard for minutes in the Sailors’ starting 11, and help the team achieve success in the coming season. 

“The level is extremely high in this team; we’ve players like Bart Ramselaar, Toni Datković and Maxime Lestienne, who have played at the highest level in Europe. I can learn so much from these players and I want to show my qualities for this team,” said the youngster, who once came up against Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho in an Under-15 league match between Alcorcón and Atletico Madrid.

“I’ve a good left foot and can play the ball out of defence, so I can definitely contribute to this team. I want to earn as many minutes as possible for the first team, and be part of a squad that wins all the titles in Singapore.”