JDT expect to bolster attack with signing of Spaniard Niguez

PETALING JAYA: Exciting times are ahead as Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have signed up Aaron Niguez from Spanish second division side Real Oviedo for the new season.

The 29-year-old Niguez has joined JDT as the club prepare for their debut in next year’s AFC Champions League, the continent’s premier club competition.

JDT announced the signing of the former Valencia youth player on their official Facebook page yesterday.

“JDT are pleased to announce the signing of Aaron Niguez as JDT’s new foreign player for the coming season,” the club stated.

“Niguez, a product of the Valencia academy, previously played for Real Oviedo, Tenerife, Braga, Elche, Almeria, Recreativo de Huelva and Celta Vigo.

“He plays as a false No. 9, second striker, attacking midfielder, and on both left and right wing positions.”

Niguez, who is the older brother of Saul Niquez of Atletico Madrid and Spain’s national team, played for Spain at various youth levels and competed mainly in the second-tier Segunda Division.

He also had brief loan spells in Europe, playing for Iraklis in Greece and Rangers in Scotland.

While playing for Real Oviedo, he scored five goals in 37 appearances.

Niguez is the second foreign signing for JDT for the 2019 season.

Last month, the Southern Tigers signed 30-year-old Brazilian defender Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento from Italian outfit Lazio to bolster the team’s defence.