Kaya FC-Iloilo Signs Azkals Midfielder Sandro Reyes Iloilo welcomes one of Philippine Football's rising stars.

Kaya FC-Iloilo would like to announce the signing of Sandro Miguel Sison Reyes. At only 18 years-old, the attacking midfielder was the youngest member of the Azkals in last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup. He’s one of the most exciting football prospects in the country, and fans who’ve been following him for years will be excited to see how far he can further his game playing in the system and culture of Kaya.

A 9 year-old Reyes became the topic of national headlines once news broke that he was accepted into FCB Escola—the football school of one of the biggest clubs in the world, FC Barcelona. After dominating youth tournaments both locally and abroad, he caught the attention of scouts at a camp in Singapore where he received an invitation to a trial in Catalonia.

A long way from home and alongside roughly 400 fellow applicants, the kid made it through the rigorous screening process and earned his spot at the prestigious academy. Sandro went on to receive a world-class football education, and continued to hone his skills in Spain while becoming a fixture of the Philippine Youth Teams growing up.

Last year, Reyes moved back home to join the Azkals Development Team ahead of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Alongside fellow newcomers Mar Diano and Oskari Kekkonen, he suited up against Kaya twice during the Copa Paulino Alcantara—though the club actually had the chance to get an advance look at the youngster months prior.

“Sandro is a player I first met when he was 9 years old in Barcelona. I was pleasantly surprised to learn he was back in Manila last year, and very thankful to ADT management that they allowed him and a handful of other good players to help us prepare for our ACL Playoff,” said Kaya GM & President Paul Tolentino. “He is a bright young talent and we are really hoping to help him develop into a very good player for the country, and potentially well established clubs around Asia.”

Getting an early taste of the Kaya experience, Reyes witnessed how the team geared up for the AFC Champions League firsthand. The offseason practice sessions certainly left an impression on both parties, seeing as it’s been decided that he’ll be continuing his development while wearing the yellow and black.

“It feels great to complete my move to Kaya. I trained with the team for several months last year and I loved the atmosphere. It truly felt like a family,” Sandro noted. “I like how there are a lot of senior players because the thing about football is, the older guys always want to help the younger ones improve and the guys at Kaya are no exception.”

Despite the fact that he doesn’t turn 19 until March, Reyes plays with a confidence that goes beyond his years. He’s already got a creative presence with a nose for timely through passes, but his most intriguing trait is his yet untapped potential—making him one of the most exciting prospects to come Kaya’s way. Though he’ll soon get the chance to continue learning from the team’s veterans, the young man’s already got his sights set on the continental stage.

“I’m so excited to be part of my first campaign in Asia’s biggest competition, and I expect that to help me improve a lot,” Sandro said in a statement.

“Just like in last year’s AFC Champions League, I expect to compete in every match no matter the opposition. Kaya showed that they were capable of going toe to toe with Asia’s best and this year should be no different.”