Grilled signed utility midfielder Earl Barbour for S$602 000 from Argentinean side Conrads in a low-profile deal, increasing already red-hot competition for midfield places. The Israeli commanded a fee of S$657 000 from his hometown team FC Arava when he first left for Conrads as a nineteen year-old. Barbour picked up experience in Conrads' league matches, and scored spectacularly in a memorable game versus Somos Pistoleros.

Conrad's owner Conrado was empathic in recommending his player and quoted, "He's a good player, good luck!"

Barbour was not however an automatic target of Grilled's. 19 year-old Australian Maurice Suniara, and teenage Belgians Jamal Busser and Tom De Buck were further up on Grilled's shopping list, but Grilled declined to pay above the line for fringe talent. "In Barbour, we have a polished, stable pro who won't look out of place in the Cup." said team coach Frank Öhmo.

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