Mauricio Souza reveals reason behind Persija Jakarta’s slow transfer activity

Mauricio Souza, the new Persija Jakarta coach, has provided an explanation regarding the team’s slow movement in the transfer market ahead of Liga 1 2025/26.

The capital city team — which finished seventh last season — has released the majority of their foreign players, including Ondrej Kudela, Pablo Andrade, Maciej Gajos, Ramon Bueno, and Marko Simic.

Currently, the team retains only three foreign players for the upcoming season:

• Gustavo Almeida
• Ryo Matsumura
• Carlos Eduardo

While management has confirmed Mauricio Souza as coach, Persija has only announced one new recruitment — Eksel Runtukahu from Barito Putera — since the coach’s arrival in Indonesia a few days ago.