Heavyweights Home United have signed Hassan Sunny on a one-year deal, who is returning to S.League after his two-year stint in Thailand.
The 32-year-old, who joined Thai league's top-flight club Army United in 2014, signed a three-year-contract which would have seen him ply his trade in Thailand until 2017. However, he was released with a year left in his contract as the club was relegated at the end of 2016 season, which was cut short due to the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Home announced the signing of the first-choice Singapore goalkeeper in their Facebook page on Friday. Notably, Hassan had earlier insisted that he will be playing in Singapore for only one year and will try to get back to Thailand once the Asean slot in the first-tier league kicks in.
Notably, Hassan personally had a good outing with the Lions in their dismal AFF Suzuki Cup campaign last year. Home head coach Adil Sharin had maintained that Hassan's leadership ability at the back will help instilling confidence in his defenders. Notably, the Protectors conceded 42 goals, which was the third worst figure of the 2016 season, despite finishing fourth.
"Home United have secured the signing of Singapore No. 1 goalkeeper, Hassan Sunny, named by British Newspaper The Telegraph as the 18th best goalkeeper in the world in April 2016," Home's Facebook post read.
"Hassan's shot-stopping ability is a hallmark of his game. Built like a rock, but with cat-like reflexes, this combination of silk and steel will be crucial in the upcoming season, where the Protectors will be competing on 4 different fronts.
"Hassan's leadership at the back will also be crucial in forming a defensive wall that looks set to be the bedrock of The Protectors in 2017."
The Protectors have made some big signings ahead of the 2017 season, which includes Croatian striker Stipe Plazibat from Hougang United, defenders Afiq Younus and Fadli Kamis, Izzdin Shafiq and Christopher van Huizen.