Al Subhi set for Thai challenge with Port FC

MUSCAT, JUNE 8

Oman international striker Essam al Subhi is poised to begin a new professional chapter in Thailand after reaching an agreement to join Port FC ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

The 29 year old forward is expected to complete the move after undergoing the routine medical examination and signing the final contract, in a deal that will place him among the foreign recruits of the Bangkok based club as they prepare for a demanding domestic and continental campaign.

Port FC, officially known as Port Football Club, will compete in the AFC Champions League Elite next season after finishing second in the Thai League 1 standings with 60 points, behind champions Buriram United. The move offers Al Subhi a fresh opportunity to test himself at a high level in East Asia and to continue his rise as one of Oman’s most effective attacking players in recent years.

Al Subhi arrives after an impressive spell with Iraqi giants Al Quwa Al Jawiya, where he played a key role in their league title success. The Omani striker featured in 35 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists, finishing the campaign as one of the team’s leading attacking contributors.

His arrival is part of Port FC’s efforts to strengthen their foreign player options ahead of the new season. The club has also been linked with Brazilian winger Bruno Moreira as it looks to add more depth and quality to its attacking line.

For Al Subhi, the move marks another important step in a career that has seen him become a regular figure with the Oman national team. He has represented the Red Warriors in major regional and continental competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup, the FIFA Arab Cup, the Gulf Cup and the CAFA Nations Cup.

He was also part of the Oman squad that reached the final of the Gulf Cup in 2023 and finished third in the CAFA Nations Cup in 2025. More recently, he contributed to Oman’s qualification for the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The striker expressed his happiness at the move through his personal account, saying he was excited to start a new chapter with Port FC and grateful for the opportunity. He added that he was ready to give his best for the club, his teammates and the supporters.

Al Subhi also left Al Quwa Al Jawiya with a heartfelt message to the Iraqi club’s fans, describing his time there as a memorable experience and stressing that the affection and respect he has for the club will remain with him.

His confidence will be high after a standout performance for Oman in their recent friendly win over Mozambique in Jakarta. Al Subhi scored a hat trick as the Red Warriors recorded a 4-1 victory, with Abdulsalam al Shukaili adding the fourth goal late in the match.

With continental football awaiting and a new league challenge ahead, Al Subhi’s move to Port FC represents one of the most notable overseas steps for an Omani player ahead of the new season.