Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have announced the signing of Canadian international defender La'Vere Corbin-Ong as they bid to continue their dominance of the domestic game in 2018.
Corbin-Ong moves from Dutch second-tier side Go Ahead Eagles, where he has spent less than six months following five years in the German lower leagues.
The defender's mother is from Malaysia, which will enable him to be classified as a local player, rather than one of the foreign quota.
Corbin-Ong can play either at left-back or in the centre of defence to give some versatility to the JDT back line.
He made his international debut earlier this year when he came on a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw with Scotland.
Corbin-Ong was born in London to a father from Barbados and a Malaysian mother, which meant he was eligible to play for four different countries. But he decided to play for the country in which he grew up when the opportunity came along in March.
However, as his only appearance for Canada came in a friendly, he may still be eligible for naturalisation and a switch to the Malaysian national team.
Such changes have previously been approved, though under Malaysian laws on dual citizenship, Corbin-Ong would be required to give up his Canadian nationality.
JDT are certainly being decisive as they try to finalise their squad in time for the AFC Champions League qualifiers in January.
Last week, they confirmed the return of Argentinian attacking duo Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Luciano Figueroa, while Singapore international midfielder Harris Harun also returns after a loan spell with Home United in the S.League.
