SCG Muang Thong United moved fast to swoop former Buriram United forward Jakson Coelho as a replacement for Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda, beating a number of Chinese and Middle East clubs in the race to sign the Brazilian.
Jakson, also known as Jaja, was unveiled as Muang Thong player yesterday. He will replace Teerasil, who is joining Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima on a one-year loan deal.
Jakson scored 34 league goals to help Buriram win the Thai League 1 title and claimed the Football Association of Thailand's best foreign player of 2017 award.
At the end of his one-year loan deal at Buriram, the Thunder Castle decided to part ways with the striker.
At yesterday's press conference, Jakson fired a veiled shot at his former club, saying: "I have joined Muang Thong to prove myself after being denied an extension by Buriram."
The 31-year-old striker was heavily criticised by Buriram chairman Newin Chidchob for lacking discipline.
Muang Thong director Ronnarit Suewaja said: "We have acquired Jaja from Belgian club KSC Lokeren. The contract is for two years with an option to extend.
"Jaja's arrival will help the team to continue moving forward and fill in the vacancy created by Teerasil's departure."
Commenting on Newin's criticism of the player, Ronnarit said: "We just looked at his professional record. I believe he can prove himself when he is on the pitch. We will send his name to the AFC [Asian Football Confederation] immediately so that he can join us in the AFC Champions League."
Jakson added: "I was contacted by many teams in China and the Middle East but I decided to stay in Thailand. Although the Buriram management team has chosen to say a lot of bad things about me, I have good memories of the club. I will do my best to help Muang Thong with the Thai League 1 title and succeed in the AFC Champions Lague."