Leeds United were reportedly interested in bringing Singaporean international Irfan Fandi Ahmad and there were reports of a trial being held in March this year. However, the current reports suggest that Premier League’s newest entrant, Wolverhampton Wanderers are in pole position to sign the player. Along with him, Ikhsan Fandi, his younger brother, was also said to have a trial at Elland Road earlier.
The reports suggest that Nuno Espirito Santo has had a talk with Irfan Fandi, who is a centre back and at just 20, he has represented his national team 12 times. Currently, he plies his trade in the Singaporean first division for Garena Young Lions who he joined in the January transfer window. Apparently, his brother also plays for the same side and the team is managed by their father Fandi Ahmad who is considered as a footballing legend in his nation.
The Whites would have loved to have Irfan Fandi as he certainly has shown potential to play in bigger leagues. It would be foolish to expect that he will play in the senior team straight away but he would have been a good option to have in the reserves squad. Apart from that, the move would have also helped to increase the fanbase of the Whites in the Asian region and the move would have been a masterstroke from their marketing’ point of view as well.
However, currently, the high flying Wolves are in pole position to sign the 20-year-old defender. The duo could have had a move away from Singapore football much earlier but they could only leave once as their mandatory national service was over.
Irfan made his debut for his national side when he was just 19 and has been regular for them since then. The player is now set to take the next big step in his footballing career as he now looks to impress the West Midlands Club in trials.
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One cannot say now that missing out on Irfan will be a big blow for Whites as he is yet to prove himself in a better league against better players but the Whites will certainly hope that they don’t have regrets in letting Irfan Fandi slip away. The signing would have shown how the Whites are keeping their future talent pool stacked and it would have demonstrated how the club wants to expand its reach overseas. But as of now, they seem to be second favourites to sign the Singaporean star.
