2025, AUGUST 12 – Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) midfielder Jalil Elías is set for a return to Argentina, joining Primera División side Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield on a six-month loan deal with a fee and an option to buy.
The 28-year-old, who arrived at the Southern Tigers earlier this year for a reported RM15.2 million fee, has made just one appearance this season — a 69-minute outing in a 3-1 win over Negeri Sembilan in May. Despite high expectations, Elias found himself behind Natxo Insa and Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan in the midfield pecking order.
The former Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro captain and Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys academy product — a school that famously produced Lionel Messi — is JDT’s most expensive signing to date, ahead of Indonesian defender Jordi Amat (RM3.8 million) and Argentinian winger Fernando Forestieri (RM3.3 million).
JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio has opted to send Elías on loan in search of more playing time, with the hope he can revive his form back in his homeland.
Elias is not the only JDT player heading abroad. Brazilian midfielder Endrick dos Santos will join five-time V.League 1 champions Ho Chi Minh City FC in Vietnam, while naturalised striker Fergus Tierney has completed a loan move to Thai League 1 side Chonburi FC.
“We hope the loan stints are a fruitful one that enables Santos and Tierney to gain valuable experience that will benefit the Southern Tigers in the future,” said JDT chief executive officer Alistair Edwards.
These moves are part of JDT’s ongoing squad restructuring ahead of the 2025–26 Malaysia League season.
