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July 31, 2024

Nur Muhammad Asis Makes History with Estrela da Amadora Signing – Primeira Liga

Nur Muhammad Asis is the first Singaporean to sign a professional contract with a top-tier Portuguese club. He recently transferred from Lion City Sailors to Estrela da Amadora, which competes in the Primeira Liga.

Nur Muhammad Asis has become the first Singaporean to sign professional terms with a Portuguese top-flight club after moving on loan from Lion City Sailors to Estrela da Amadora. C.F. Estrela da Amadora

This landmark move marks a significant milestone not only in Asis’s career but also for Singaporean football, as it highlights the increasing opportunities for players from the region to showcase their talent internationally.

The one-year loan agreement, announced on Wednesday and scheduled to last until June 2025, primarily involves Nur Muhammad Asis competing for Estrela’s B and Under-23 teams. This arrangement will provide him valuable playing time as he adjusts to the new environment.

In addition to his time with the lower teams, the senior squad is anticipated to monitor Asis closely. This oversight indicates the coaching staff’s interest in his development and potential future contributions to the first team.

The 20-year-old progressed through the ranks at Lion City Sailors after joining their academy in 2020. He has made five appearances in the Singapore Premier League. He has consistently been part of the match-day squad for a talented team that won the championship in 2021.

Even if Asis doesn’t immediately join Estrela’s first team, he’ll still experience a respectable level of competition. The reserves compete in the fourth tier, while the Under-23 team was the top national youth league champion in the 2022-23 season.

The Sailors arranged a series of trials for him in Portugal at the end of last year, ultimately leading to negotiations with Estrela after he reportedly impressed several local scouts.

“That is what I’ve been aiming for since I started kicking a ball, and it still feels surreal to be at a top Portuguese club,” stated Asis.

“I’m really grateful to everyone who made this move possible, especially my coaches at the Sailors academy. They’ve made me a better player and are the reason I’m able to make this next step in my career. ”

“I’m really excited to wear the Estrela shirt and can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Sailors’ technical director Luka Lalić, who first encountered Asis when he coached him at seven, has expressed confidence in his protégé’s ability to impact Europe.

“Even when he was just seven or eight years old, he would often talk about his dream of playing in Europe one day, Lalić remembered.

“After overcoming multiple challenges, including the passing of his father earlier this year, he’s now ready to showcase his talents on a larger stage.

“This opportunity comes as no surprise. His quality has always been clear. He just needs the right environment to advance his development, and Estrela is certainly an excellent place for that.”

Indeed, Estrela has a history of developing promising talent that have gone on to have successful careers. Their academy alums include current Manchester City star Rúben Dias, former Manchester United winger Bebé, and Portugal legend Abel Xavier, who played for Everton and Liverpool in the Premier League.

“Winning the Liga Revelação U-23 last year is a testament to the strength of our youth development programme, which is dedicated to investing in young international talents like Asis,” stated Estrela’s sporting director, José Faria.

“I’m extremely confident that Estrela provides the most conducive environment for a young talent from Singapore to succeed, and we look forward to contributing to his development here.

“Asis has huge potential to achieve big things in football, so we’re happy to have him with us and we want him to work as hard as he can over here.”

Although Asis has not yet earned his first senior cap for Singapore, he has played at the highest age-group level, participating in the qualifiers for the latest AFC U-23 Asian Cup.