The 18-year-old, a key player for the national Under-19 squad, will be the first Malaysian to turn out in the Belgian First Division A.

It is understood he would earn around RM20,000 to RM23,000 monthly and would be provided an apartment and a car.

He was introduced today at a special ceremony, which was attended by local business tycoon Vincent Tan, who is also KV Kortrijk owner, Belgian ambassador to Malaysia Pascal H Gregoire and FA of Selangor Secretary-General Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon.

“Great occasion for Malaysian football, first Malaysian playing in Belgium. It’s a big decision for the club, the management thinks it’s too early but as an owner, I said ‘give him a chance’,” Tan told a press conference afterwards.

Luqman is expected to leave for Kortrijk next week to undergo a medical ahead of the new Jupiler Pro League season scheduled to start this month.

The 2018 AFC U16 Championship top scorer is delighted to finally complete the move after months of protracted talks.

“I’m proud and grateful to be given the opportunity to play there. I hope Malaysians will pray that I can be at my 100%,” said the Kota Bharu-born player.

Had things gone as planned, Luqman would have spent three months from January training with English Championship club Cardiff City, which is also owned by Tan, before joining Kortrijk but the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to his plans as most countries closed their borders.

Luqman has made the Guardian’s annual list of “Next Generation’s 60 of the world’s best young talents” and is also one of the 80 preliminarily listed for this year’s prestigious Golden Boy award.