Leaders SCG Muang Thong United, in their bid to retain the Thai League 1 trophy, are apparently pursuing Real Madrid's policy of going after the Galacticos.
Having already announced five high-profile signings in the mid-season break, the Kirins yesterday confirmed that they have acquired Thai-Swiss midfielder Charyl Chappuis from Suphanburi.
Earlier the club and Chappuis had failed to reach an agreement, reportedly because of the player's desire for a high salary. He was also briefly linked to Chiang Rai United.
A day before yesterday's start of the second half of the season, Muang Thong unveiled four new players -- striker Siroch Chatthong (from Ubon UMT United), forward Leandro Assumpcao (Si Sa Ket), playmaker Prakit Deeprom (Chonburi) and midfielder Totsawat Limwannasatien (Army).
These are in addition to former Ratchaburi forward Heberty Fernandes, who the Kirins had signed a couple of months ago for the second half of the league.
Chappuis, who was left out the national team -- though not for the first time -- by new Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac, is being seen as a replacement for playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, who has left Muang Thong to join J-League side Consodole Sapporo on an 18-month loan deal.
Apart from Chappuis, Muang Thong have a number of national team stars on their roster, including Teerasil Dangda, Siroch, Theerathon Bunmathan, Tristan Do, Kawin Thamsatchanan, Adisak Kraisorn and Sarach Yooyen.
While agreeing to release Chappuis, Suphanburi secured the signature of Muang Thong centre-back Suphan Thongsong on a four-and-half-year contract.
Varawut Silapa-archa, president of Suphanburi, said: "We would like to wish Charyl Chappuis the best of luck in his future endeavours.
"However, in return, we have acquired central defender Suphan Thongsong on a long-term deal so it has been a good trade-off for us.
"Suphan is only 22 and has already made the national team. He is a bright prospect for our club and the national team."
Commenting on the move, Chappuis said: "First of all, I would like to thank Suphanburi for looking after me so well, especially during the long period when I was nursing a nagging injury.
"I am happy to become a new player of Muang Thong United and would like to win the championship with the club."
However, Chappuis will not get his desired No.7 jersey at Muang Thong United.
"At first, I wanted the No.7, but Heberty Fernandes has already been registered to wear it," said Chappuis.
"My second choice was No.77, but it has assigned to Leandro Assumpcao. The club will announce my shirt number later."
Chappuis, whose mother hails from Chiang Mai, shot to prominence at the 2014 Suzuki Cup, which was co-hosted by Singapore and Malaysia.
He scored four goals in the regional championship, including a crucial one in the second leg of the final against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
He was later sidelined by a knee injury for almost two years.
Former national team coach Kiatisak Senamuang recalled him for the final phase of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup late last year, but the Thai-Swiss midfielder was never able to cement his place in the Thai squad.
Muang Thong and Buriram United were joint leaders in Thai League 1 ahead of this weekend's round of matches.