Happy All Around
One of Grilled's longest-drawn-out transfer sagas would finally be concluded today, as 29 year-old midfielder
Ang Leong Kum moved to S-League side Haha on a deal worth S$8.2 million. It came as a relief to both player and club, who had been seeking an equitable resolution for months.
Djan Bacelar noted that the transfer was made possible only after extensive inquiries. "The market for players of Ang's calibre really isn't that large, after taking all constraints and demands into account. We weren't willing to let him go for less than he was worth, and Ang was adamant that he would only go to a club that matched his ambitions, so there we were."
Ang admitted that the move was a couple of seasons in the making. "I had privately sounded it out with Djan; none of the other guys knew for a long time, not even my closest friends in the squad."
Word would get around eventually, of course, and Ang found himself getting played out of position on the flanks, which only strengthened his resolve to leave. The arrival of dedicated wingmen only further limited his minutes, but Bacelar made it clear that all this was strictly business.
"It was all for the long-term benefit of the team. Ang is one of our best midfielders, but unfortunately for him, this meant that he could handle being situated out wide much better than our other alternatives. He has been very professional about the whole thing, I have to say, and there remain few men I'd pick over him, in a big one-off game."
What's done is done, all said, and Ang will now find himself back where he feels he belongs - at the highest level. His first task will be to ensure that he stays there, with Haha lying precariously in seventh place, with matches against top-half sides Parkway Paladins and SingaStyle lined up. Fortunately, they remain just two points from safety, and a single win should do wonders for their prospects.
Haha can be assured that Ang will do all he can. "The next chapter of my career begins today, and I intend to make it a bright one!"
