The Malaysian international look set for his first move abroad after Johor Darul Ta'zim revealed that talks are ongoing with Portimonense.
JDT has revealed on their official page that they have received an offer from Portuguese side Portimonense SC for the transfer of Safawi Rasid, possibly for the 2020/21 season of the Primeira Liga.
That could mean that Safawi might not feature in the resumption of the Malaysia Super League season as the new Primeira Liga season will begin on 20 September 2020 with Safawi likely needed to be part of the pre-season.
Portimonense actually finished in the relegation at the end of the 2019/20 season by finishing second last in the 17-team league but got a reprieve to remain in the top flight after Vitoria Setubal could not fulfill licensing requirements.
Safawi began his professional career with T-Team FC in 2015 before his sparkling display and goal-threat alerted JDT to his potential and he joined the Super League champions in 2017.
Since moving there, Safawi has grown leaps and bounds, making himself a permanent fixture and an important asset not only for his club side but also for the Malaysia national team.
In 2019, Safawi started making his mark with JDT in the AFC Champions League including scoring a magnificent left foot curler against away to Chinese side Shandong Luneng in 2019.
Should the move fully materialised, Safawi would not be the only Asian there at the club with two Japanese players in Shuichi Gonda and Koki Anzai also part of the squad.
On JDT's side, while they are happy to allow Safawi to gain more exposure by plying his trade in Portugal, it would leave a huge gap in the side still competing in the 2020 AFC Champions League.