Thai League 1 champions Buriram United have signed former West Ham United striker Modibo Maiga to replace Brazilian forward Diogo Luis Santo, the club said yesterday.
Diogo, one of the most prolific strikers in Thai league history, joined Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta'zim last week.
The forward scored 101 goals in 105 league games for the Thunder Castle.
Malian Maiga, 31, played for English club West Ham from 2012 to 2015, scoring four goals in 34 games.
He has also played for Le Mans, Sochaux and Metz in France and Queens Park Rangers in England.
His previous club was Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.
Whether Maiga will be able fill in Diogo's shoes remains to be seen.
However, Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob has said he is not worried about Diogo's departure.
"We will be champions again," Newin said.
"No matter who comes or goes, we will be champions again."
Meanwhile, Buriram's bitter rivals Muang Thong confirmed yesterday that they have signed Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.
The 25-year-old Russian-Vietnamese star played a key role in Vietnam's triumph in the AFF Suzuki Cup last month.
Dang is playing for Vietnam in the ongoing Asian Cup in the UAE.
His agent Andrey Grushin said his client and the club have agreed on a three-year contract.
"The contract signing has been completed. Dang Van Lam will move to the Thai League. This is a big step in his career," Grushin said.
Last month, Muang Thong signed Myanmar striker Aung Thu as they try to win back the league title.
The Kirins could only finish fourth in the league last season and were 28 points behind champions Buriram.
In another development, Sukhothai FC have signed Thai-German goalkeeper Jack Krause on a two-year contract, the club announced.
Also former Chiang Rai United defender Victor Cardozo has joined Thai League 1 newcomers PTT Rayong.
The Brazilian helped the Beetles win the FA Cup and League Cup titles last season.
Rayong has been one of the busiest Thai League 1 team, having signed nine players so far including Ariel Rodriguez, Sarawut Masuk, Thirayu Banharn, Peerapong Ruannin and Sarayut Sompim.