Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan is the most expensive player in Belgian second division side Oud-Heverlee Leuven's history, club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said yesterday.
Kawin's move from Thai League 1 side Muang Thong United to OHL was announced at a press conference at Bangkok's headquarters of King Power International, which owns the club.
OHL bought the goalkeeper, who is dubbed 'Flying Kawin', for the club's record fee but Aiyawatt declined to disclose the sum.
"He is the most expensive player in OHL's history,'' said Aiyawatt, CEO of King Power International, which also owns English Premier League side Leicester City.
"He will get a higher salary than the one he received from Muang Thong. But I think money is not a big deal for him. What is more important for him is to fulfil his dream."
He said the 27-year-old goalkeeper was wanted by OHL manager Nigel Pearson, who came to Thailand to watch him play on several occasions.
Aiyawatt said OHL would not stand in Kawin's way if he plays well in Belgium and is wanted by an English club.
But Aiyawatt said he could not guarantee Kawin a first-team spot.
"It is for the manger to pick his starting line-up and I can't interfere in his job. Kawin has to prove his ability,'' Aiyawatt said.
A tearful Kawin said: "Playing in a foreign league has been my dream since I was young. Today, my dream has come true and I am very happy.
"It will be a new challenge for me. I played for Muang Thong for 10 years and we are like a family. I'd like to thank everyone at the team. I will try to do my best in Belgium, not just for myself but also for Thailand."
The goalkeeper will leave for Belgium tonight.
Kawin joined Muang Thong in 2008 and has won four Thai League 1 and two League Cup titles.
He claimed the gold medal at the 2013 SEA Games with the Thai U23 side and won the AFF Suzuki Cup with the national senior team in 2014 and 2016.