Muhammad Riyandi.
progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Banten, based club Dewa United has made another move in the 2026/2027 Super League transfer window. Dewa United has officially signed Indonesian national team goalkeeper Muhammad Riyandi, also from Persis Solo, on a free transfer.
His arrival is believed to intensify competition between the sticks with Sonny Stevens ahead of the 2026/2027 Super League season.
However, the club, nicknamed the Banten Warriors, has not disclosed the length of the 26-year-old goalkeeper’s contract.
Muhammad Riyandi, who is currently playing for the Indonesian national team in the AFF Cup, admitted that he firmly accepted Dewa United’s offer because he saw the management’s commitment to building the team.
“The first thing that convinced me was Dewa United’s seriousness in building the team. I also saw the club’s professionalism in various aspects, including the facilities they have,” said Riyandi in an official Dewa United statement on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Besides the club’s professionalism, closeness to his family was also a major consideration in Muhammad Riyandi’s decision to join Dewa United. After almost a decade of working outside of Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), he now has the opportunity to be closer to his family.
“Not only that. Joining Dewa United also allows me to be closer to my family, as I’ve been playing outside the Greater Jakarta area for almost the last ten years,” he said.
Competition with Sonny Stevens
At Dewa United, Muhammad Riyandi will compete with experienced goalkeeper Sonny Stevens. However, he believes the competition is merely motivation to continue improving.
“I didn’t come here just to compete for a position. I also want to gain experience, continue learning, and absorb knowledge from my teammates, including Sonny. For me, healthy competition motivates me to continuously improve myself every day,” he explained.
He also emphasized that his main focus now is no longer just winning the competition between the sticks, but rather helping Dewa United achieve this season’s goals.
“My hope is of course to help the team achieve the goals we’ve set. I want to make the best contribution to my teammates and together lead Dewa United to success this season,” he emphasized.
Muhammad Riyandi is a graduate of the Persiba Balikpapan academy who began his professional career with Barito Putera. He has since developed into one of the most consistent young goalkeepers in Indonesian football.
Last season, Muhammad Riyandi kept three clean sheets in 23 appearances for Persis Solo. Despite his impressive performance, he was unable to save Laskar Sambernyawa from relegation.
His impressive performances have also earned Riyandi regular playing time for the Indonesian national team, from various age groups up to the senior level. He is currently part of the Garuda squad competing in the 2026 AFF Cup.
Writer/Editor: Bembo
