THE move by Malaysia's young striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin to Belgian Division One outfit KV Kortrijk (KVK) is not merely a "convenient arrangement".
KVK owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan said he has formulated a module that would make Luqman more relevant and ideal when he pulls on the KVK jersey.
The module involves off-field activities such as English language classes so that Luqman is better able to communicate and interact with his teammates, technical staff and even the local people.
Tan wants to ensure the Kelantan-born Luqman settles down quickly in Europe, and then sets the trend and benchmark for other Malaysian players.
Tan, who is also the owner of English Championship side, Cardiff City, reckons that the faster the 18-year-old acquaints himself with the new environment, the better player he would become.
"I have several plans for Luqman when he arrives in Belgium. I will be personally involved. I don't want his arrival in Belgium to be a fleeting moment," said Tan.
"I will ensure he is here to stay, that KVK will benefit from his presence and vice versa. When Luqman proves his worth, it will open the doors for other Malaysian players to trek towards Europe.
"I don't want this to be merely a training stint for Luqman. He should mature as a player to even find himself in the KVK team. I am very confident once he achieves the goals in Belgium, he will be a better player for the Malaysian national team."
Luqman is expected in Belgium by early next month after being cleared by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry last Friday.
Tan revealed that Luqman received the Certificate of Good Conduct from the Malaysian government last Friday, and it had been submitted to KVK.
The club, with assistance from the Belgian Embassy in Malaysia, will now work on securing a work permit for Luqman.
"The International Transfer Certificate (ITC) was also sorted out after the Football Association of Selangor gave their green light on July 4.
"Two days after that, Luqman signed with KVK for five years. He should earn RM400,000-RM500,000 annually," added Tan.
Tan revealed that the Belgian ambassador to Malaysia, Pascal H. Gregoire, has been enthusiastically following Luqman's journey to Belgium, and he thanked the ambassador for taking a personal interest.
"Luqman's arrival at KVK will stir massive interest among Malaysians living in the area, and that's a good thing for both countries.
"As I said before, Luqman is in Belgium wearing Malaysia's name on his sleeve. I want him focused and become a regular feature for KVK."
Tan added he had written to Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican to brief him on Luqman's status and also to get the date for a press conference next week before Luqman flies to Belgium.
Luqman is one of the 80 young talents around the world preliminarily listed for this year's Golden Boy award, which is presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport. Earlier, he also made the Guardian's annual list of Next Generation's 60 of the world's best young talents.