While there were doubts over the club future of Hariss Harun after he failed to secure a loan move from Johor Darul Ta'zim to Europe inside the recently-concluded transfer window, the Malaysian Super League giants announced on Thursday that the Singapore vice-captain will be loaned out to Spain's third-tier club Ce L'Hospitalet.
Hariss has thus become the first Singapore footballer to play in Spain and will be on a one-year loan deal with the club, which plays Segunda Divison B. JDT, who came up with a Facebook statement, also revealed that the Singapore international will leave to Spain on 5 February.
"Hariss will be on a year-long loan...to gain experience and improve the quality of his game. Without a doubt, this long-term plan will have a positive impact on the club in the future," the Facebook statement on JDT's official page read.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who has made 72 appearances for the Lions, did not lose hope despite the closing of the transfer window and said he was eager for playing at the highest level. Notably, JDT revealed that Hariss, who joined them in 2014 and was part of title wins including Super League and AFC Cup, would be loaned out to either Portugal or Japan. The club secured the services of Argentina's Brian Ferreira to replace the Lions midfielder for the upcoming season.
Return to S.League for Hariss, who had previously played with Young Lions, was also ruled out as local clubs revealed that they will no longer be able to afford the midfielder, who drew $30,000 at JDT, according to reports.
Hariss is expected to return to JDT after his one-year stint in Spain as he has a contract until the end of the ongoing season, which can be extended till 2018.
