Persija Jakarta Has Signed Six New Players Ahead of the 2026/2027 Super League.

Persija Jakarta is demonstrating full commitment in preparation for the 2026/2027 Super League. The Macan Kemayoran have now officially added six new players to their squad, following the announcement of Serbian centre-back Radovan Pankov as their latest recruit on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

Pankov's arrival concludes Persija's pre-season transfer activity. Prior to this signing, the capital-based club had already brought in Victor Dethan, Aqil Savik, Pratama Arhan, Kerim Memija and Denis Kolinger as part of the squad strengthening project led by head coach Shin Tae Yong.

Pankov has signed a two-season contract. The 30-year-old Serbian defender carries extensive competitive experience across Eastern Europe, having previously played for Legia Warszawa, Red Star Belgrade, Cukaricki, AEK Larnaca, Radnicki Nis, and Ural Yekaterinburg.

Persija President Mohamad Prapanca stated that Pankov's arrival will bring additional quality to the team's defensive line.

For Pankov personally, joining Persija marks a new chapter in his career. He expressed excitement for his first experience playing in Asian football, and confirmed he is ready to deliver maximum contribution for the club.

“Joining Persija is a very exciting new challenge for me. I arrive with strong motivation to support this team, perform to my absolute best in every match, and fight alongside my teammates to achieve the club's targets,” Radovan stated on Persija's official platform.

Pankov started his professional career through the FK Vojvodina youth academy, before going on to play for clubs across Serbia, Russia, Cyprus and Poland. Beyond club football, he was also part of the Serbian national squad that won the 2015 U-20 World Cup.

Defensive Focus Among New Recruits

Pankov is not the only foreign player signed to reinforce the backline. Persija had previously recruited Croatian defender Denis Kolinger and Bosnia and Herzegovina international Kerim Memija.

Kolinger also signed a two-season contract, after spending most of his senior career with NK Zagreb and NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. 

"I have come here with strong motivation to help Persija reach this season's targets, and I cannot wait to play in front of the Jakmania supporters," Kolinger commented.

Meanwhile full-back Kerim Memija also signed a two-season deal, having previously gained professional experience with Vejle BK in Denmark and HSK Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia.

Alongside defensive reinforcements, Persija also completed squad improvements across other positions. Pratama Arhan returns to Indonesia on a three-season contract to occupy the left defensive flank, after four years playing professionally in Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

For the wide attacking position, Macan Kemayoran signed young winger Victor Dethan from PSM Makassar on a two-season deal. The goalkeeper position has been strengthened with the arrival of Aqil Savik from Bhayangkara FC, who will play for Persija on a one-season contract.

These six new signings clearly demonstrate Persija's major ambition to build a more competitive squad, as they prepare to compete for the 2026/2027 Super League title.