Xiao Bonanza
Grilled received a hefty S$560 000 for 17 year-old defender Xiao Xuliang, fresh out of the Chicken Wings youth team, as the teenager's naturalness on the ball wowed scouts from diverse clubs, not least his new employers Gabiadini SL of the Portuguese Sixth Division.
English Division Six side Arthington Town were also in the late running, while Dragonii Nordului (Romanian Division Eight) and Zoqdi FC (Maltese Division Three) were interested at some point. Local Division Four side N.R.C United put out feelers too, and was among Xiao's favoured destinations, but were unwilling to match Gabiadini's valuation.
Xiao initially appeared to be headed for Italy, to one of Buzzoletto F.C. (Division Four), Fly Emirates Alghero or camposasco (both Division Eight), but they quickly went out of the running. "I suppose they have a larger supply of defenders there." Grilled coach
Han Lik-Tsun, acting as overseer, noted.
In a quieter deal, Xiao's youth team colleague Hu Zefan landed a dream move to France, albeit on a free transfer. However, for a player who was twice turned down, first by local youth side -Knuts and next by StrikeFr33d0m, youth team of III.14 club StrikeFr33d0M, joining up with TeamJo' and getting a shot at a professional career was more than he dared hope for.
"I have to thank Mr. Tham for giving me a chance." Hu said, referring to Grilled scout Tham Beng Li, as he watched his new side beat FC Pharaon 4-3 in a domestic friendly. "I was prepared to quit football and go into a trade, but he gave me the self-belief to follow my heart."
