JDT and Juventus set for partnership as Johor owner Tunku Ismail Idris flies to Italy for talks

It is exciting times to be a Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fan with the Malaysia Super League champions making their debut in the AFC Champions League group stages against defending champions Kashima Antlers on Tuesday. 

But there’s more exciting news for the five-time Malaysian champions with their owner Tunku Ismail Idris flying to Italy to meet with the owners of Serie A giants Juventus to discuss a potential association between the two clubs.

The Crown Prince of Johor had announced back in December that he would meet members of the Agnelli family who owns the Turin-based club through the JDT owner’s friendship with super agent Jorge Mendes whose clientele also includes Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

On Tuesday, the club announced that their owner will depart for Italy to meet with Andrea Agnelli, chairman of Juventus. TMJ will also watch a Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese on March 9 before returning to Malaysia.

“HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Crown Prince of Johor departs for Italy today, the 5th of March 2019 for a meeting with the Chairman of Juventus FC, Andrea Agnelli to discuss a possible collaboration and cooperation between Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) and Juventus FC,” the club statement read.

“His Royal Highness also received a special invitation to watch a Serie A League match between Juventus FC and Udinese on the 9th of March 2019. Allah Peliharakan Sultan,” it added.

The Southern Tigers have over the years developed multiple strategic partnerships and collaborations with overseas clubs including German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, J League club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and La Liga outfit Valencia CF.

(Photo credit: Johor Darul Ta’zim)