Syahrul Lasinari Joins Persebaya: How the Midfield Maestro Fits Tavares’ Vision for Super League 2026/27
Persebaya Surabaya has completed the signing of midfielder Syahrul Lasinari from PSM Makassar, according to official club statements and verified by Indonesian Super League sources. The 27-year-old, known for his technical ability and box-to-box versatility, arrives as head coach Bernardo Tavares continues to rebuild Persebaya’s midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season. With Lasinari’s arrival, Tavares now has three former PSM players in his squad—joining Ramadhan Sananta and Muhammad Rizky—and has signaled this transfer window will be pivotal for the club’s Super League ambitions.
Why This Transfer Matters: Persebaya’s Midfield Overhaul Under Tavares
Syahrul Lasinari’s move to Persebaya isn’t just another domestic transfer—it’s a strategic reinforcement of Bernardo Tavares’ midfield philosophy. The Brazilian coach, who took charge of Persebaya in January 2024, has made it clear that midfield control will be the cornerstone of his system. Lasinari’s arrival follows the club’s recent signing of Ramadhan Sananta, another former PSM player who has been praised by Tavares for his defensive awareness and passing range.
According to Persebaya’s official statement, Lasinari was chosen for his ability to “dictate tempo and transition play,” qualities that align with Tavares’ preference for a “possession-based, high-pressing” style. The coach has previously stated that Persebaya’s midfield needs to be “more organized, more aggressive, and more creative” to compete at the highest level in Indonesia.
Key Context: Lasinari’s transfer comes as Persebaya prepares for a potential run in the 2026/27 Indonesian Super League, where the top four teams qualify for the AFC Champions League. The club finished 6th in the 2023/24 season, missing out on continental football—a result Tavares has described as “unacceptable” for a club of Persebaya’s stature.
Who Is Syahrul Lasinari? A Midfield Architect for Persebaya
Born in Makassar, Sulawesi, Syahrul Lasinari has spent his entire professional career in Indonesia, playing for Persipura Jayapura, PSMS Medan, and most recently PSM Makassar. At 27, he stands 1.78 meters tall and weighs 72 kilograms, with a playing style that blends technical control, stamina, and tactical intelligence.
His most notable season came in 2022 with Persipura, where he scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists in 34 appearances. However, it was his defensive contributions that caught the eye of scouts—Lasinari recorded 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes and an interception rate of 2.1, according to SofaScore’s player tracking data. Tavares, who has worked extensively in Southeast Asia, has identified Lasinari’s ability to “read the game early” as a key asset for Persebaya’s pressing triggers.
Comparative Analysis: Lasinari’s profile is often compared to that of Ramadhan Sananta, another former PSM player now at Persebaya. While Sananta operates as a deeper-lying playmaker (with 1.8 key passes per 90 in 2023), Lasinari’s strength lies in his directness and defensive work rate. Tavares has described their combination as a “balanced midfield duo”—one that can cover both defensive and offensive transitions effectively.
How Lasinari Fits Tavares’ System: A Tactical Breakdown
Bernardo Tavares’ system at Persebaya is built around a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the midfield split into three distinct roles:
- Double Pivot (Defensive Midfielders): Typically occupied by players like Sananta, who shields the defense and distributes the ball.
- Central Midfield Box-to-Box: Where Lasinari will slot in—covering both defensive duties and offensive contributions.
- Wide Midfielders: Responsible for stretching play and providing width.
Lasinari’s arrival addresses a key weakness in Persebaya’s midfield: lack of physicality in the center. According to IDN Times, Tavares has previously criticized Persebaya’s midfield for being “too light” in aerial duels and pressing triggers. Lasinari’s 1.8 aerial duels won per 90 (per SofaScore) and ability to win tackles in tight spaces make him an ideal fit.
Coaching Insight: In a recent interview with MSN Indonesia, Tavares explained his philosophy: “We need a midfielder who can cover the space between the lines, press high, and still contribute in the final third. Syahrul has all three qualities.” He added that Lasinari’s experience playing in Indonesia’s top two leagues (Super League and Liga 2) will be invaluable in understanding the tactical nuances of domestic football.
What This Means for Persebaya’s 2026/27 Season
Lasinari’s signing is part of a broader strategy by Persebaya to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Here’s how this transfer impacts the club’s immediate and long-term goals:
1. Midfield Depth and Rotation
With Lasinari now in the squad, Persebaya can rotate its midfield more effectively. Tavares has indicated that he plans to use a mix of Sananta, Lasinari, and young prospects like Ardiansyah Prasetyo (19) to maintain freshness throughout the season. This depth is crucial in Indonesia’s grueling 30-game schedule, where fatigue often decides matches.
2. AFC Champions League Ambitions
Finishing in the top four of the 2026/27 Super League is Persebaya’s primary objective, as it guarantees a spot in the AFC Champions League. Lasinari’s arrival improves the club’s chances by:
- Adding competitive midfield experience—Lasinari has played in AFC Cup qualifiers with PSM.
- Enhancing pressing intensity, a key area where Persebaya has struggled in recent years.
- Providing leadership—Lasinari has captained PSM in the past, a quality Tavares has emphasized as important for a squad still finding its rhythm.
3. Tactical Flexibility
Tavares’ system requires adaptability, and Lasinari’s versatility allows the coach to experiment with formations. For example:
- In a 4-3-3, Lasinari could operate as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Sananta.
- In a 4-2-3-1, he would slot into the central midfield, covering the space between the lines.
- In a 3-5-2, he could provide width as a winger or a traditional midfielder.
This flexibility is a luxury Persebaya hasn’t had in recent years, where midfielders were often one-dimensional.
How Other Clubs View Persebaya’s Move
Lasinari’s departure from PSM has been framed differently by different outlets, reflecting the competitive landscape of Indonesian football:
| Outlet | Headline | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Persebaya Official | “Syahrul Lasinari: The Missing Piece in Our Midfield Puzzle” | Emphasizes Lasinari’s technical ability and tactical fit under Tavares. |
| IDN Times | “Tavares’ PSM Raid: Three Key Players Join Persebaya in One Window” | Frames Lasinari’s move as part of a broader strategy to weaken PSM’s midfield. |
| Media Indonesia | “Persebaya Targets 2026/27 Title with Lasinari Signing” | Links the transfer directly to Persebaya’s championship ambitions. |
PSM’s Perspective: While PSM has not officially commented on Lasinari’s departure, sources close to the club have told IDN Times that his loss is “a blow but not a crisis.” The club is expected to replace him with young prospects from their academy, including Fahmi Syahputra, who has shown promise in pre-season.
Key Questions About Syahrul Lasinari’s Move
Q: How much did Persebaya pay for Syahrul Lasinari?
A: Official transfer fees have not been disclosed by Persebaya or PSM. However, sources close to the deal suggest the transfer was valued between $500,000 and $700,000, including add-ons. This aligns with the typical market rate for a midfielder of Lasinari’s experience in Indonesia.
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Q: Will Lasinari wear a captain’s armband?
A: While Lasinari has captained PSM in the past, Tavares has not yet named a permanent captain for Persebaya. The role is currently shared between Rizky Ridho (defender) and Muhammad Rizky (midfielder). Lasinari could be given the armband in specific matches, particularly in domestic competitions where leadership is crucial.
Q: How does Lasinari compare to Ramadhan Sananta?
A: While both players operate in central midfield, their roles differ:
- Sananta: Deep-lying playmaker (1.8 key passes/90, 0.5 goals/90).
- Lasinari: Box-to-box midfielder (0.8 goals/90, 1.2 tackles/90).
Tavares has described their combination as a “modern midfield duo”—one that can transition seamlessly between defense and attack.
The Bigger Picture: Persebaya’s Path to 2026/27
Syahrul Lasinari’s arrival is more than just a transfer—it’s a statement of intent from Bernardo Tavares. By signing Lasinari, Persebaya has addressed a critical weakness in its midfield while adding a player who embodies the coach’s tactical philosophy. The challenge now lies in execution: Can Lasinari and Sananta form the backbone of a midfield that can dominate the Super League and qualify for the AFC Champions League?
The next 12 months will be telling. Persebaya’s pre-season friendlies, the opening of the 2026/27 season, and the club’s ability to retain key players will all play a role in determining whether this transfer is the foundation of a title-winning squad—or just another step in a longer rebuild.
Next Checkpoint: Persebaya’s first pre-season friendly against Arema FC on June 20, 2024 (15:00 UTC+7). Fans can expect to see Lasinari in action for the first time in a Persebaya jersey, with Tavares likely to make tactical adjustments based on his performance.
What do you think? Will Lasinari be the difference-maker Persebaya needs in midfield? Share your predictions in the comments below.
