Former Real Madrid star Jesé Rodríguez is reportedly set to join Johor Darul Ta’zim for the upcoming 2024/25 season, according to a report by Spanish sports news portal Marca.
The 31-year-old forward has been a free agent since parting ways with Brazilian club Coritiba FC earlier this year.
Jesé’s career began with Real Madrid, where he progressed from the youth ranks to the senior team in 2011. Known for his versatility as a winger or striker, Jesé’s potential shone early, and he made 94 appearances for the Spanish giants. In 2016, he secured a €25 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, but struggled to find consistent form, resulting in several loan spells to clubs such as Las Palmas, Stoke City, Real Betis, and Sporting Lisbon. After leaving PSG, Jesé returned to Las Palmas in 2021, followed by brief stints at Ankaragücü (Turkey), Sampdoria (Italy), and Coritiba.
Despite the frequent moves, Jesé has showcased his talent at various stages of his career, amassing 80 goals and 48 assists in 347 appearances. Now, as he approaches his 10th club, Jesé appears poised to make a significant impact in the Malaysian League with JDT.
The report from Marca highlighted the surprising nature of Jesé’s next career step, underscoring that he would soon become a key player in the Liga Super Malaysia.
“Jesé Rodríguez is wandering again. He will join the tenth team in his career at the age of 31 and a fate you will never imagine,” the Marca article stated. “He will be a star player in the Malaysian League.”
JDT, the reigning champions of Malaysia, are known for their ambitious approach and international recruitment. The club’s owner, DYAM Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Crown Prince of Johor, even liked the post that announced Jesé’s move, further fueling speculation that the deal is close to being finalized.
While there has yet to be an official confirmation from either JDT or Jesé himself, it is expected that the Spanish-born forward will not only feature prominently in the Liga Super Malaysia, but also bolster JDT’s squad for the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25. The Malaysian giants still have until October 31 to register players for the continental competition, which allows them to field an unlimited number of foreign players.
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