Safawi Rasid, Johor Darul Ta'zim

Contract extensions for Safawi Rasid and 10 JDT players

The reigning Malaysia Super League champions have already begun work for next season after revealing that they have secured contract extensions for 12 players ahead of a historic first appearance in the AFC Champions League next season.

Despite rumours linking him to moves abroad, Safawi has chosen to accept a new conract with JDT that will last until 2022. The forward who is the club's leading goalscorer this season in domestic competition, has also made heads turn in the colours of Malaysia.

Joining Safawi on new 4-year deals are Haziq Nadzli and Syamer Kutty Abba. Haziq is a firm starter with the Malaysia U23 but has found competition to be hard against Farizal Marlias on the club front. Syamer had a short stint in Portugal earlier this year and looked to be a trusted member of the squad after his return.

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Those that signed a 3-year extensions are Fazly Mazlan, Izham Tarmizi, Fadhli Shas and Azrif Nasrulhaq. Although from the four, only Azrif can lay claim to have a decent season this year.

Azrif Nasrulhaq, Johor Darul Ta'zim

Meanwhile Hazwan Bakri, Afiq Fazail and Gary Steven Robbat have all signed until 2020 with two veterans in S. Kunanlan and Aidil Zafuan getting another year on their contracts.

In his statement, JDT's technical director Alistair Edwards also went on to reveal that the club are still in negotiation with three other players although it remains to be seen if mercurial Safiq Rahim is one of those players.

The former national team captain has had a big fall this season, moving from a regular starter to more of a substitute role. His ambition to feature in the AFC Champions League remains in the balance after an uncertain season.

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