Filipino-Japanese defender Jefferson Tabinas will be taking his talents to Thailand as he is set to play for Buriram United in the Thai League 1.
Tabinas, who is a part of the Azkals pool, signed a two-year deal with the Thai giants after his stint with J2 League side Mito HollyHock in Japan.
From 2021 to 2023, Tabinas played in 82 games for the Japanese side and scored two goals with the club’s best finish at 10th place in 2021 behind a 16-11-15 win-draw-loss record.
The 25-year-old defender said in a social media post while parting with Mito is hard, he is still looking forward to his upcoming stint in Thailand.
“Every summer and winter, there are encounters and farewells in this way. This is my eighth year as a professional, but I still can’t get used to saying goodbye,” said Tabinas, whose mother hails from Virac, Catanduanes.
“Still, being in a new environment helps me grow. Opening a new door is always unsettling, but it is also very exciting. And these events have always helped me grow as a player and as a person.”
Tabinas’ arrival will certainly boost Buriram’s bid in the Thai Lague 1 as the team is currently in second place in the standings with an 8-6-1 win-draw-loss record.
The Fil-Japanese player will join the likes of Kim Min-Hyeok of South Korea and forward Lonsana Doumbouya of Guinea as Buriram is gunning for its 10th league title.
The Thunder Castle will resume its campaign on 11 February against Lamphun Warrior FC.
