Singapore international Hariss Harun is set for a year-long loan stint in either Portugal or Japan as Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) look to invest in one of their star performers for the future.
Speaking on the Southern Tigers' Facebook page, coach Mario Gomez said a move was likely for the 26-year-old, without specifying any team, or projected timeline.
"Hariss Harun is a good and disciplined player. He means a lot to the club and we will send him out to a Portuguese or Japanese club on a year-long loan," Gomez said.
"I'm sure at his current age, his playing ability will improve if he's given the chance to play at a higher level. He will be a valuable asset for the club in the future when he returns from the overseas club."
Since joining the reigning Malaysian champions in 2013, the versatile Hariss has quickly cemented his place as one of the regulars in a star-studded team.
Now operating as a defensive midfielder, Hariss has had to compete with the likes of Junior Eldstal, Gary Steven Robbat and Shakir Shaari for a starting position.
But his fitness and consistency have made him a mainstay, which now could lead into another exciting phase in his career.
Should Hariss secure a move to Portugal, he would see through a deal to the country that broke down in 2013.
Singapore's youngest debutant -- he was 16 when given his first senior cap by the Lions in 2006 -- was on the brink of sealing a deal with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave in 2013.
But, despite the help of Singapore billionaire owner Peter Lim and agent Jorge Mendes, the move fell through as National Service commitments, and salary issues, were understood to have stood in the way.
JDT's new recruit Nazmi Faiz also featured in Portugal with S.C. Beira-Mar in 2012 for six months before returning home to Malaysia.
The 2016 treble champions also confirmed that Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz would be leaving the club.
"I have decided and the management has agreed to sell Diaz because we have received a good offer for the club. He wants to stay here, but we cannot afford the new salary requested, and need to control the club's spending," Gomez said.
Diaz finished the 2016 Malaysia Super League as top scorer with 18 goals.