The famously tight-fisted Grilled International raised their transfer-in record by orders of magnitude today, with the S$1.3 million arrival of Portuguese goalkeeper Querubim Santos Couto. Couto, who will be turning 20, garnered a decent amount of attention from other clubs, most notably former Coppa Mediterraneo winners Berna, who currently lie in the Italian third division.

International's implicit promise of a regular starting spot turned Couto's head, as it transpired, and Tajit bin Mohd would eventually secure his signature ahead of Berna, Ebikon Gunners (Swiss Division Seven) and FC Jena Lobeda (German Division Seven). Finn veteran Leo-Pekka Sulopuisto was supposedly another option Tajit was considering, but he eventually went to Romanian club ULTRAS MILANO, with Hungary's Vác FC coming in behind.

Although their new, bald custodian has reportedly not rubbed his teammates the right way with his outlandishly-gregarious antics, Tajit attributed it to his relative immaturity.

"Couto is a guy who's bursting with character, and we view him as a long-term project." the head coach said. "He's definitely an outgoing personality, and we have no concerns about him being able to get his point across - even if his English isn't too good yet."

With the new Number 21's - formerly No. 22 with Xpecial Team - installation, some doubt now hangs over Saswata Shah and Azni bin Raimi's future with the club. Neither appear too phased as yet, though.

"I'm not going anywhere. Tajit assured me that there will be ample opportunities to fight for a place, with all the cups and tournaments in store." Shah declared. "There's plenty of room around."

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