Persib Brings in Sandy Walsh and Luka Menalo Ahead of the New Season

Persib Bandung have signed two experienced players to strengthen their competitive squad for the 2026/2027 season. These two new recruits are Indonesian national team defender Sandy Walsh and Croatian winger Luka Menalo.

Sandy Walsh is projected as a long-term investment, while Luka Menalo is expected to boost the attacking line's firepower. The 31-year-old player has signed a three-year contract with Persib that runs until 2029.

"Persib has awarded Sandy Walsh a three-year contract. We view his arrival not only to meet the team's needs for this season, but also as a strategic long-term investment for the club," stated Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat.

According to Adhitia, Sandy's recruitment was a recommendation from the coaching staff, who required an experienced player capable of operating in multiple positions at once.

The defender, born in Brussels, Belgium, is considered highly flexible as he can be deployed as right back, centre back, or defensive midfielder.

"Throughout his career, Sandy has demonstrated his ability to play across all these positions. This versatile profile is an extremely important added value for the team's requirements," he said.

Sandy's competitive experience in both European and Asian leagues was also a primary consideration for Persib. The Anderlecht academy graduate previously played for Genk, Zulte Waregem, KV Mechelen, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Buriram United before joining Maung Bandung.

Beyond technical quality, Persib also hopes Sandy's international experience with the Indonesian national team will bring a winning mentality into the dressing room.

"We welcome Sandy and his family as part of the greater Persib family. We hope his adaptation process runs smoothly, and that together we can bring Persib to achieve its best results. Welcome, Sandy Walsh," said Adhitia.

Persib also reinforced their forward line by signing Luka Menalo, a Croatian winger who has represented the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Menalo has signed a one-season contract, becoming Persib's third signing in this transfer window after Sandy Walsh and Gabriel Mutombo.

"Welcome and thank you for joining the Persib family. We receive Luka Menalo with full enthusiasm. As per the agreed terms, Luka will represent Persib for the 2026/27 season," stated Adhitia.

The 29-year-old player is considered to possess the quality, experience and playing flexibility that will bring a new dimension to Persib's attacking line.

"We are confident that the experience, quality and flexibility Luka holds will add extra dimension to the team's strength. His presence is expected to help Persib remain competitive in every competition we participate in," he said.

Persib also confirmed that all recruitment processes were carried out in line with the team's needs and the club's long-term vision.

"Of course we hope Luka can adapt quickly, perform at his best, and meet both the club's expectations and the hopes of the Bobotoh supporters, who always give extraordinary support to Persib," he added.

Menalo arrives in Bandung after playing for FK Sarajevo. Last season, the player born 22 July 1996 in Opuzen, Croatia, made 17 appearances and scored three goals.

Previously, he also played for a number of European clubs including NK Široki Brijeg, Dinamo Zagreb, and HNK Rijeka. At international level, Menalo has collected 16 caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team with three goals scored.