Naim hopes to make most of Ryukyu offer

The teenager, who only turns 20 in April, has agreed to join the Japan Football League outfit on a two-year deal and will put pen to paper by the end of the month after the actual terms of the deal have been ironed out.

His move to Japan comes as a surprise to many given he has never been on trial with Ryukyu, unlike wingers Wan Zack Haikal and Wan Zaharulnizam, who had spells in Okinawa, where the club are based, last year.

And the player admits he was equally shocked when he found out that he, rather than Zaharulnizam, would be joining Wan Zack in moving to the Okinawa General Athletic Stadium.

"Honestly I was surprised when I was told that Ryukyu would offer me a contract, along with Wan Zack," he told FOX Sports.

"I never expected it because we knew they were looking at some other players too, plus it was Wan Zaharulnizam who had a trial with them last year.

"This is something new for me and a challenge because I never had trials with them. Of course I'm nervous because this is the first time I will play for another team and also in a foreign land, but I will try to set a positive mind and work hard."

The Perak native, who is equally capable of playing as a left-back and left-winger, admits he faces a tough challenge in the coming months but has been heartened by the support he has been shown.

"It may be difficult for me at first because I never had trials with them," Naim added. "But I will try to adapt, fight for a place in the team and try to gain as much knowledge so that I can share it with my friends in the [Malaysia U-23] team when I come back.

"Like me, my family was also surprised too but they have been very supportive and encouraging. I would also like to thank my team-mates and Harimau Muda coaching staff for helping me and their hard work to help me get where I am now."

Ryukyu are said to have decided against offering Zaharulnizam a deal as they already have a plethora of options in that position.