Melaka have completed their shopping spree for import players after signing Thai defender Naruphon Wild Putsorn for the 2020 M-League season.

The 31-year-old Naruphon fills up the Asean import slot and is the fifth foreign player for the Mousedeer.

The Mousedeer had previously sealed the deal with Haitian striker Sony Norde, Colombian midfielder Romel Morales, Nigerian striker Uche Agba and retained South Korean centreback Jan Suk-won from last season.

Naruphon nicknamed ‘Nazza’ is a centreback, who also can play as a defensive midfielder, and is a product of Welsh club – The New Saints (TNS).

Narupon began his career in Thailand with Bangkok United in 2013 before featuring for Buriram United, Suphanburi and Nakhon Ratchasima.

He had helped TNS win the Welsh Premier League and FAW Premier Cup in the 2006-2007 season. He also assisted Buriram to win the Thai League 1 in 2017 and the Mekong Club Championship in 2016.

Melaka coach Zainal Abidin Hassan thanked Melaka Football Association (MFA) president Damian Yeo Shen Li for allocating the budget to sign their fifth import.

“I’m really thankful to the management and our president for helping with the funds to sign Nazza. He’s a utility defensive player and definitely is a good addition to the team, ” said Zainal.

“We decided to sign him after watching his latest game. His background is also quite impressive and he has easily adapted to the team training despite only joining two sessions.”

Zainal said Naruphon would be playing in their next two friendlies to gel with the team.

“We will play Sarawak next week. I’ve also planned another game before we conclude our pre-season. So far I’m happy with the team but the last two matches will give us a clearer picture of the team’s real abilities, ” said the 57-year-old.

Melaka finished sixth in the Super League last season. They reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup but failed to go beyond the second round in the FA Cup.