Shin Tae-yong Confirms Persija Will Bring In One Additional Foreign Player

Persija Jakarta is continuing efforts to finalise their squad composition ahead of the 2026/2027 competitive season. Head coach Shin Tae-yong has confirmed the Macan Kemayoran side will sign one additional foreign player.

This confirmation was delivered by Shin after Persija secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Brisbane Roar in an international friendly match at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), North Jakarta, on Saturday 29 August 2026.

"We will add one more foreign player," the South Korean coach stated during the post-match press conference in Jakarta that same Saturday.

Persija has currently introduced 29 players for the new season. Of this number, eight foreign players are already part of Shin Tae-yong's squad.

These eight players are Kerim Memija, Denis Kolinger, Radovan Pankov, Kyohei Yoshino, Fabio Calonego, Stjepan Loncar, Alexander Jeremejeff, and Kwon Chang Hoon.

Among all these foreign players, only Fabio Calonego was retained by Persija from the previous season. All other foreign signings form part of Macan Kemayoran's squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign.

Shin Tae-yong Has Not Confirmed Filling Full Quota

2026/2027 Super League regulations permit each club to register a maximum of 11 foreign players.

With eight foreign players already contracted plus the planned additional signing, Persija will field at least nine foreign players in their squad.

Despite this, Shin Tae-yong has not given confirmation whether Persija will ultimately utilise the full available quota.

"Regarding whether we will register 11 foreign players or not, this matter is still under internal review," he stated.

This announcement confirms Persija is still open to conducting further squad evaluations before finalising their official roster for the competition.

The incoming foreign player is expected to provide Shin with greater tactical options, particularly to navigate the tight, high-stakes schedule across the full season.

Persija Faces Tough Opposition Immediately

Alongside squad discussion, Shin Tae-yong also highlighted the challenges awaiting Persija at the start of the 2026/2027 season.

Macan Kemayoran will face an immediate harsh test, drawn against Borneo FC and Persib Bandung for the first two weeks of the competition.

Neither club are unfamiliar opponents for Persija. Both Borneo FC and Persib were dominant sides during the previous season, finishing at the very top of the league table.

Persija recorded poor results against both teams last season, only managing to secure one total point across all matches against Borneo FC and Persib Bandung.

For this reason, Shin has instructed his squad not to only prepare for the opening fixture, but maintain full readiness for every match throughout the entire season.

"Persib Bandung and Borneo FC are very strong sides, they finished first and second place respectively last season. That is why we must give our absolute best in the first match, the second match, and every single match that follows," the 57-year-old coach concluded.

The dominant victory over Brisbane Roar provides positive momentum for Persija ahead of official competition kickoff. However Shin still has outstanding work to ensure his squad is fully prepared for the 2026/2027 season, including finalising the additional foreign player signing and locking in the optimal lineups for their two difficult opening fixtures.