Thai star footballer returns to home league

BG Pathum agreed to pay the transfer fee that Kawasaki required for Songkrasin, as his contract with the J1 League club was still valid until January 2025.

Injuries limited Songkrasin’s contributions at Kawasaki. After two seasons with the club, he only played a total of 27 games, and scored only three goals.

BG Pathum decided to spend big on Songkrasin to improve their squad after a lackluster season, as the club only peaked at ninth out of 16.

At the new club, Songkrasin will get to play with his teammates from the Thailand national team, including striker Teerasil Dangda and midfielders Sarach Yooyen and Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul.

This is the second-most expensive transfer in the history of Thai League, after Port FC spend $2.8 million buying Montenegrin striker Dragan Boskovic from Bangkok United in 2018.

In February 2022, Kawasaki bought Songkrasin from Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo for $3.8 million, a transfer record among Japanese clubs at the time.

According to Siam Sport, Songkrasin’s recent total transfer fee of $8.8 million is the highest in the history of Thai football, followed by Tanaboon Kerasat with $3.2 million.

Football site Transfermarkt valued Songkrasin at $1.3 million. His peak was in December 2019, at $2.6 million.

Known for his dribbling and vision, Songkrasin is considered the best attacking midfielder in the history of Thai football. He has won two SEA Games gold medals and three AFF Cup titles with Thailand.