Goodbye Gústav
The rumours turned out to be true, as Icelandic star
Gústav Thoroddsen announced his departure from the Birds. Former Finnish Suomen Joutsen-haastajacup holders FC REILU offered S$12 million for the 26 year-old striker, and after some deliberation, the board would okay the transfer - no doubt to the disappointment of many Grilled fans, despite Thoroddsen's recent underwhelming performances.
"It didn't last, but I daresay none of us were not glad to have him here for a time." head coach
Tian Yonghang said. "We were all so proud when he got his first senior national cap while helping lift the club to promotion, and I have confidence that he can earn more of those with the proper support."
Tighter defences in Division Two, and perhaps more importantly a lack of teammates on the same wavelength after a bunch of other sales, had left Thoroddsen with a relatively paltry haul of just three league goals thus far, which represented a luxury that Grilled Birds could not quite afford. "As with so many of our other top guys over the years, it's a matter of bad timing." Tian continued. "Can't do much about that."
Thoroddsen will look to replace Bulgarian forward Tzonyo Pelovski in FC REILU's setup, with the Finland outfit also recruiting Portuguese custodian Jesus Antunes for some S$3.9 million, in an effort to rescue their season. "I loved my stint at the Birds, but perhaps a change of scenery is called for; I can't pretend that I don't prefer this weather, either!" Thoroddsen commented.
Amir Asri Ameen would leave Farmer Bunnies in happier circumstances, as the 17 year-old goalkeeping trainee went to San Marino H.A.L VII.1295 side Wallas II on a free transfer. The self-dubbed Triple-A talent does have impressive speed off his line, but the rest of his goaltending skills might do with some polishing. Nonetheless, his academy coaches wished him all the best at his new club.