Grilled recovered rapidly from their disappointment at having missed out on Franger Barrantes by swooping for Kyrgyzstan central midfielder Seytek Djekshenkulov in a S$6.6 million deal. The Birds' bid was accepted ahead of clubs such as his original side Rossiyskaya Federaciya, who already have three Kyrgyz internationals on their books, and German Division Five side Frankfurt Gothers.

Seytek, who is just a week removed from his 21st birthday, has represented his country fifteen times at the U-20 level, taking his first cap, against Kazakhstan, days after turning professional at seventeen. After a short detour at Cologno Calcio regna, Seytek developed further at Milan with Cassina Savina before putting pen to paper for Grilled in his first million-dollar move.

Grilled captain Gleb Dorogan feels it highly likely that Djekshenkulov will break into the full national side after some time with the Birds. "He's got all the tools to make it, and his obvious knack at winning high balls is another bonus on top of everything. I will certainly be looking over my shoulder for my place in the team!" Dorogan half-joked.

Head coach Han Lik-Tsun reemphasized that Djekshenkulov's arrival did not detract from Grilled's long-term objective of transitioning to a local-dominated team. "We will give priority to Singaporean signings to replace our old guard as and when they are let go." Han promised. "However, we are always open to foreign talents who can improve us, and Seytek certainly ticks all the boxes."

This day also saw the far more low-profile addition of Chicken Wings winger Teo Yong Yau to the senior squad, with the dedicated right winger handed the Number 43 jersey.

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