KUALA LUMPUR – With Jesé Rodríguez’s recent transfer to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), the Malaysian Football League (MFL) is confident that his presence in the Super League will not hinder the development of local players and clubs.
The governing body’s response follows discussions within the online football community, with some suggesting that JDT’s signing of high-profile players like Rodríguez will make the Super League one-sided, leaving the other 12 teams competing merely for a second-place spot.
There have also been questions raised about how JDT is able to sign such high-profile players without breaching the financial rules and regulations set by the MFL.
For context, the nation was surprised when JDT announced the signing of Rodríguez, a former Real Madrid winger known for his flair and experience on the field.
The 31-year-old, who once played alongside football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ángel Di María, Gareth Bale, and Luka Modrić, is expected to dazzle on the flanks while donning the iconic Southern Tigers jersey, with the number 33 on his back.
Rodríguez’s glittering career includes two UEFA Champions League titles, one La Liga title, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a Copa del Rey, all won during his time at Real Madrid.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Rodríguez has also played for other major clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Sampdoria, Stoke City, and Real Betis. His most recent stint was with the Brazilian side Coritiba.
Notably, Rodríguez is JDT’s third high-profile signing from European football, following in the footsteps of Pablo Aimar and Jordi Amat.
Speaking to Scoop, newly appointed MFL CEO Giorgio Pompili Rossi said that JDT’s spending aligns with the governing body’s financial rules, and signings like Rodríguez will indirectly elevate the reputation of the Super League in the years to come.
“I see Rodríguez’s arrival as a move to strengthen JDT, which we all hope will go far in the Asian Champions League (ACL). I believe this will also raise JDT’s profile and indirectly enhance the reputation of the Super League.
“Signing high-profile players is not something new; it has happened in the past with JDT, Sabah FC, Selangor FC, and others. The presence of these high-profile players can also contribute to the development of local players, who can learn from their experience.
“MFL must encourage the growth of all clubs because, with the right decisions and strategies, the level of the entire league will improve. I wish Rodríguez a fantastic journey in Malaysia, and we are very happy to see a Champions League winner playing in our league,” Rossi said when contacted.
At the same time, Rossi mentioned that the player salary cap, a mechanism aimed at addressing salary issues plaguing the local league, is still under review by MFL.
Meanwhile, JDT has already emerged as a formidable side in the ACL, following their 3-0 victory over Shanghai Shenhua at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and a 2-2 draw with Chinese champions Shanghai Port in Shanghai last month.
JDT currently sits at the top of the Malaysia Super League with 31 points. – October 8, 2024