SABAH coach Ong Kim Swee has rubbished claims that they are holding back Saddil Ramdani from spreading his wings beyond Southeast Asia.
Saddil, who plays as a winger for Indonesia's national team, is said to have received an offer from FK Novi Pazar. However, there was no mention of transfer fee from the Serbian club.
"We did receive an official offer from the club but there was no transfer fee. This is not right because professionally, when approaching a player with a contract, a transfer fee should be paid," said Kim Swee.
"I think many don't understand that it is the player (Saddil) himself who said he did not want to go.
"If it is in the player's best interest, we will make it happen in the best way possible."
Kim Swee added that he is trying to protect Saddil's interest as the offer from Europe may not be what it seems.
Kim Swee, who had dealt with players' transfers to Portugal and Japan in the past, said: "I know their agenda... if we (Sabah) release the player today, I can guarantee 100 per cent that he goes there for a month, then another Indonesian club will buy him with a transfer fee," said Kim Swee.
"There are bigger things at play here, there are those blaming us but not knowing the real story.
"Getting an international offer is a big deal, and if the player wants to go, I can arrange it."
Kim Swee wants Indonesian fans to understand that Saddil is much valued at Sabah, and the Rhinos have taken care of the 23-year-old since he joined them last season.
"We're not killing him here, we're looking out for him.
"When he got injured at the end of last season, we sent him to Kuala Lumpur (for treatment), then his follow-up, and after he went back to Indonesia... all his expenses were paid by the club," said Kim Swee.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Sabah had refused to let Saddil join another club abroad as this could affect their Super League preparations.
