Persib's Two New Signings: Layvin Kurzawa Brings Experience, Dion Markx is a Future Investment

Persib Bandung kicks off the second round of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 with a new-look defense. Two new additions, Layvin Kurzawa and Dion Markx, are not mere stopgaps but part of the Bandung Maung's short and long-term plans.

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak stated that the arrival of the two new players, Layvin Kurzawa and Dion Markx, is to bolster the Bandung Maung's strength for navigating the second round of the BRI Super League 2025/2026.

Bojan said the arrival of Kurzawa and Markx fills two positions left vacant by Rezaldi and Hamra Hehanusa. Those two Persib players were loaned to Persik Kediri until the end of the season.

"These two new players are good for us. Because we were a bit short on numbers after Rezaldi and Hamra left. We needed additions at left-back and one centre-back," said Bojan as quoted from the club's official website, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Kurzawa's presence immediately drew attention. The experienced left-back, who has tasted the highest level of European Football, is projected to bring a new dimension, not just technically, but also in terms of mentality and experience within the Persib locker room. 

Bojan sees added value in Kurzawa beyond just his big name, but in the quality that can help the team during the competition's busy schedule.

"In the next 3.5 months, we will play at least 19 to 25 matches, so there will definitely be playing minutes for him. We will take it slowly," said Bojan.

However, Hodak also emphasized that the adaptation process is key. Kurzawa hasn't played regularly for quite a long time, a situation Bojan said Persib's previous Foreign Players also experienced.

"We know he hasn't played for a long time, similar to the cases of (Federico) Barba or Stefano Beltrame before. Players who have been out for several months need time, but he has the quality we need. We will be patient," he said.

On the other hand, Dion Markx arrives with a different narrative. This young defender from the U-23 National Team of Indonesia is positioned as a future investment, aligning with Persib's philosophy of consistently providing opportunities for young players to grow with the first team.

The coach from Croatia continued, specifically for Dion Markx, he is expected to break into the first team, following in the footsteps of Kakang Rudianto and Robi Darwis.

Bojan believes Dion's arrival means Persib Bandung has sufficient young player stock, after previously having Zulkifli Lukmansyah, Nazriel Alvaro, and Fitrah Maulana.

"Dion is like Kakang and Robi, he's a U-23 player. We are looking for young players who can develop rapidly in a short time," said Bojan.

With the combination of Kurzawa's experience, having played for Paris Saint Germain (PSG), and Dion's potential, Persib is trying to balance immediate needs and long-term vision. 

The second round of the Super League will be the initial stage to see How far these two new additions can meet the challenge, both in the pursuit of current achievements and in building the foundation for Persib's future.