HRH Tunku Ismail, Regent of Johor and owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), has revealed the club’s ambitious plans for the upcoming pre-season and a potential landmark partnership with French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Hector Bidoglio’s squad recently secured their 11th consecutive Super League title, reaffirming JDT’s dominance in Malaysian football. Their triumph also ensures that the Southern Tigers remain the country’s sole representative in the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025/26.
In response to fans eager to see JDT face top-tier clubs from the region, HRH Tunku Ismail confirmed that plans are in motion for a pre-season tour in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the preferred destination.
“100 percent, it is in the planning,” he stated in a post on X, signaling JDT’s intent to test themselves against elite competition.
JDT is also set to strengthen ties with PSG, following previous discussions between Tunku Ismail and PSG’s top executives. The Regent confirmed that a formal collaboration is imminent, with Tim Cahill joining him on a trip to Paris to finalize the agreement.
“PSG (100 percent legal). This year or next year. Many more short- and long-term agreements between JDT and PSG will follow this year,” he stated.
Tunku Ismail previously met with a Paris Saint-Germain delegation led by Daniel Markham, Chief of Staff to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. An agreement in principle has already been reached, marking a significant milestone for JDT in expanding its global footprint.
Credit Photo : JST
