Thai League 1 champions Buriram United continued to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season with the addition of U22 star Leon James.
Buriram United's new signing Leon James.
The 21-year-old joined the Thunder Castle from Nongbua Pitchaya, who were one of the three teams relegated to T2 last season.
The Thai-English midfielder became the club's third signing in the off-season following the arrival of Korean star Kim Min-Hyeok and Suporn Pinakatapho.
He will wear No.4 jersey and try to help the team defend their league title. His addition will also strengthen the team in their AFC Champions League campaign.
Leon, who began his career with Leicester City's youth team, also had short stints at Ratchaburi and Sukhothai before joining Nongbua.
Leon was a member of the Thai U22 team that won the silver medal at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in May.
Buriram signed Korean centre-back Kim Min-Hyeok from Seongnam FC earlier in the week.
The 31-year-old was in the South Korea team during the 2018 World Cup Asian qualifying round.
Kim played for J-League side Sagan Tosu between 2014-2018 before returning to South Korea in 2019 to play for Jeongbuk Hyundai Motors. He left Jeongbuk in 2021 and a year later signed for Seongnam.
Right wingback Suporn joined the Thunder Castle from fellow Thai League 1 side Muang Thong United.
It was the first transfer deal between the two clubs in 13 years.
Jakkapan Kaewprom was the last player to join from the Kirins in 2010.
Opener at Khon Kaen
Champions Buriram United will visit Khon Kaen United in the opening match of the new season.
The new season will begin in the second week of August.
Runners-up Bangkok United will kick-start their campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Uthai Thani FC.
Port will visit League 2 champions Nakhon Pathom United while Muang Thong will host Chiang Rai.
Other match-ups included Police Tero v BG Pathum United; PT Prachuap v Ratchaburi; promoted Trat v Chonburi and Lamphun v Sukhothai.
The first round of matches will take place on Aug 11-13.