Safrinho Up For Sale?
The squad could not help but be buoyed by Grilled's thumping friendly win, given that they have tended to be on the wrong end of such scorelines, but the absence of Safrinho from even the bench, after he was left out against CCP on Sunday, put a dampener on the proceedings. The former U-20 striker could not be contacted, and some are already speculating that he is on the way out.
Fan Xiuyu, who scored late on, was also rumoured to be available for offers, but both Fan and coach
Han Lik-Tsun kept mum. Assistant Luis Alcántara was barely more helpful. "Of course we will have to consider very good offers if they come in." he said cryptically. "It would be irresponsible for any club not to do that."
What is more certain is that Grilled will not be able to bring former Chicken Wings stalwart Zhao Jing Wei back to the club, after the 21 year-old blossomed magnificently in his four seasons at Woxingwosu FC. Zhao has already received official offers from a host of clubs both local and foreign, including even three-time Cup champions Isle of Flames, with Kim Tae Hee FC and AkA FC also throwing their hats into the ring.
"It's a great pity - Zhao would have fitted perfectly in our developmental plans, but there is no way that he will go for less than what we can afford right now." Han said. "Swedish Division Four side Keno United have already guaranteed over S$2 million in their initial talks from what I've heard, and he's likely to move for closer to S$6 million."
"At least, that means a couple hundred thousand for us."
Han hinted that Grilled might yet turn to another academy graduate in Abdul bin Jantan, now 26 years old, who has spent his entire professional career thus far in Austria with Villach United. "Abdul was never marked to go far, to be honest, but this just goes to show how dedication can make a difference." Han commented. "Phantasm Hotspurs are already interested, but we will definitely hop in if the price is right."