KUALA LUMPUR: The Spanish media are saying it.
Nacho Mendez, the former captain of Sporting Gijon, will join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
Timesport reported last month JDT had made a lucrative offer to the 27-year-old midfielder.
The Spanish media have also reported about Mendez's exit from Sporting Gijon after 15 years.
Mendez, who officially parted ways with the Segunda Division side on June 30, wrote an emotional farewell open letter to the club's fans.
Throughout his time in Asturias, Mendez made over 170 appearances for the senior team and was consistently among the league's top midfielders in key statistical categories, including progressive passes, crosses into the box, and defensive duels won.
Despite efforts by Sporting Gijon to extend his contract and interest from other clubs in Spain's top two tiers, Mendez has opted to explore a new opportunity abroad.
While Mendez has yet to name his next club, all signs point to JDT as the midfielder prepares to embrace a new footballing culture far from El Molinon.
It is learnt that Mendez is set to come to Malaysia as a heritage player, alongside Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces, Gabriel Palmero, Hector Hevel, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo, who all made their debut for Harimau Malaya this year.
