Persib Bandung secured a historic 1-0 victory over FC Seoul in their opening Group E match of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, yet the club’s attention immediately turned back to the transfer market as foreign media reports linked the Indonesian side to two distinct defensive targets. Julio Cesar scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute at Seoul, handing head coach Igor Tolic’s squad all three points on opening night. However, squad depth remains a pressing talking point for the coaching staff as the club manages a grueling five-competition calendar for the 2026–2027 season.
The latest international transfer reports have thrust two Croatian goalkeepers back onto the radar for Maung Bandung: Ivan Susak and Matej Markovic. Both players fit the physical profile required for high-level continental competition, though neither player has an officially confirmed deal pending with the club as the transfer window draws down.
Defensive Depth Needed Amid a Five-Tournament Schedule
Persib’s goalkeeping situation has drawn scrutiny from the coaching staff long before the final whistle blew in South Korea. Goalkeeper coach Mario Jozic publicly stated back in August that the club was actively evaluating whether to bring in an additional reinforcement between the posts. Jozic pointed directly to the sheer volume of matches on the horizon, noting that when factoring in the Piala Presiden alongside domestic and international duties, Persib faces a daunting slate of five separate competitions across the campaign.
That necessity was underscored during the hard-fought win in Seoul. Teja Paku Alam stood firm under heavy pressure from the K League 1 side throughout the ninety minutes, anchoring the defense to preserve Julio Cesar’s early strike. Even so, the club's management recognizes that sustaining momentum across multiple fronts demands strong backup options to avoid fatigue or injury crises.
Ivan Susak and Matej Markovic Emerge as Transfer Targets
Transfermarkt data highlights Ivan Susak as a prime candidate. Standing at an imposing 2.03 meters, the 28-year-old Croatian goalkeeper currently plays for Lion City Sailors in the Singapore Premier League. His contract with the Singaporean club runs through June 30, 2027. Susak is already familiar to the club’s faithful, having guarded the net for Lion City Sailors during previous continental clashes against Persib. During the preceding season in Singapore, he recorded 36 appearances and kept 12 clean sheets.
The second name circulating in foreign reports is Matej Markovic. Born in Zagreb, Markovic currently competes for HJK Helsinki in Finland’s top flight and brings extensive European league experience to the table. According to Transfermarkt, the 1.92-meter goalkeeper joined HJK in February 2026 on a deal running until December 31, 2026, which includes an option for an additional year. Because he remains under contract in Finland, any potential pursuit by Persib would require a negotiated transfer fee.
Current Status of the Rumors
While the emergence of Susak and Markovic has generated considerable discussion among supporters following the continental triumph in South Korea, no formal announcement has been made by Persib Bandung management. Both players remain strictly the subject of transfer speculation as the club weighs its options for squad reinforcement.
Persib will return to domestic and international preparations as they balance their historic ACL Two group stage campaign with their ongoing commitments in the Indonesian league structure. Official updates regarding squad adjustments will come directly from club announcements ahead of their next fixture.
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