Langeland Landed
Grilled wasted no time in dispensing with the millions from Zhan Ju-Hau's sale, and laid out close to two million more of the club's reserves to obtain 20 year-old Norwegian
Jan Langeland from Norway Division Three club Risvollan Ballklubb.
This is the first time that Langeland has left his land of birth, with his only previous transfer being from hometown side Merseyside F.C. in Hedmark up north to Trondheim. His stint with Risvollan Ballklubb ended with eleven goals, five from this season alone, which is reasonable given there were two other forwards to share the plunder in most of his games. Risvollan Ballklubb found no other suitors with their S$11.8 million valuation, which Öhmo felt "harsh but fair".
"Langeland would be a marginal Under-20 player in many nations, and with the savings on Spirig we decided we could splash out a bit more for quality." Öhmo explained. Langeland did not only break the club's transfer spending record, however. His contract has lined out over S$70 000 a week in salary for him for the upcoming season, approximately a third of Grilled's current wage bill. The burgeoning salaries have caused some concern with Grilled's finance department, but the most pessimistic of projections still show a net profit for the club.
Langeland's coming will push
Ulf Hjortlind into being a Cup specialist and reserve, a demotion that the 21 year-old has accepted with grace. "I've watched him, and there is a certain gap between us. I'll be learning much from him. If he bungles, I'll be there too." 30 year-old Canadian
Joe Stern has been informed of his impending departure, as Hjortlind slips into the position of third forward.
Jan Langeland himself is due to arrive just before Grilled's contest with Herron on Sunday as the formalities are completed. Though he speaks only Norwegian, Grilled's Swede contigent maintain that they should be able to communicate adequately with him. Probable strike buddy
Ola Martinsson in particular has spent over a season in Norway with Vigrestad IK, and has picked up basic Norwegian. "We'll get along like a house on fire."
Grilled were originally targeting proven 24 year-old Swede Jesus Desantes from BadgersFC, but Danish Division Three side Stallone on goal!'s need was far greater as they drove the price up to astronomical levels. "Our plan was a Swiss engine room and a Swede attack," Öhmo said jokingly, "but while not exactly divine intervention, Langeland is Swede enough for me."
