KUALA LUMPUR – National footballer Luqman Hakim Shamsudin will stay with YSCC Yokohama and has no plans of returning home to pursue a career in the Super League.
The 22-year-old striker’s response came after recent speculations linking him to discussions with clubs in Malaysia, after having made only nine appearances this season for Yokohama, which he joined on loan from KV Kortrijk FC earlier this year.
The Kelantan-born footballer’s last appearance for the Japanese club was in a 3-1 defeat to Imabari FC in the league on October 12.
Speaking to Scoop from Yokohama, Luqman said he hopes his current loan spell can be extended for another year, citing the need for more time to adapt to the gameplay and culture of the Japanese league.
Luqman also revealed that his future destination will only be decided after his contract with Kortrijk expires in June next year.
“I’m not sure where those rumours came from, as I haven’t given any interviews to any Malaysian media or personnel discussing my future. In fact, I haven’t decided on my future or what lies ahead, as I’m still under contract with Kortrijk. Inshallah, once everything is settled, I will decide on my next move.
“Currently, I’m happy with my game time at Yokohama. I missed a few games while representing Malaysia in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which wasn’t part of the FIFA calendar. On top of that, I also had a minor injury, which reduced my playing time for Yokohama.
“However, I’m enjoying my time here. In my opinion, one year on loan isn’t enough to fully adapt to playing in Japan—the culture, the language, and understanding the team dynamics. If I had the opportunity, another year, or even half a season, would be ideal. Inshallah, I hope that can happen,” said Luqman when contacted.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of playing in Malaysia’s top-tier M-League in the future as he has been away from his family for a significant period.
Over the past four years, Luqman’s football career has taken him across continents, from signing with Kortrijk in Belgium to loan spells with Njarðvík FC in Iceland and now Yokohama in Japan.
“The intention to return to Malaysia is always there. It has been a long time since I’ve been with my family. I also want to create memories with my mum because I didn’t have much of a chance to do so with my late father.
“Returning to Malaysia is not a reason to risk failing abroad. The journey ahead is still long. Inshallah, I pray for the means to earn a living, whether in Malaysia or elsewhere. Wherever my sustenance lies, I will accept it,” Luqman added.
According to transfermarkt.com, Luqman is currently valued at €50,000 (RM235,500), a decrease of RM271,500 from his October 2022 valuation of RM507,000.
The former Akademi Mokhtar Dahari graduate made his name in Selangor FC’s youth ranks before joining Kortrijk in 2020. – November 21,2024