Sydney FC has offered rising star Jake Girdwood-Reich to US Main League Soccer outfit St Louis Metropolis for a membership file charge understood to be $1.3 million.
Girdwood-Reich, 20, joined Sydney’s academy as a 12-year-old and made his senior debut for the membership in an Australia Cup conflict towards Central Coast in July 2022.
The Australian under-23 consultant, who can play as a defender or a midfielder, made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues.
“I really like this membership,” Girdwood-Reich mentioned.
“I began right here as a 12-year-old so I’m unhappy and really emotional to be leaving however extremely grateful for what Sydney FC has executed for me over the previous eight years.
“It was at all times my dream to undergo the Sydney FC academy, to play often within the A-League after which give it a strive abroad.
“The schooling I’ve had right here has ready me for that and can assist me enormously on my soccer journey.”
Girdwood-Reich mentioned he had “at all times needed” to play within the US and was excited by the prospect of opposing the likes of star Inter Miami pair Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
“When this chance got here up it actually caught my eye,” he mentioned.
“St Louis are a brand new membership, they’ve a transparent and thrilling philosophy from which I can be taught, and I hope to point out what I can do.
“To even have the potential for enjoying towards greats of the sport akin to Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez excites me.”
Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay mentioned Girdwood-Reich deserved the prospect to additional his profession overseas.
“He’s proof that Australia’s finest younger expertise will get a possibility at Sydney FC and doubtlessly unlock a path to an abroad profession, Talay mentioned.
“His growth because the age of 12 is a large credit score to Sydney FC’s academy who’ve created one of the best elite pathways in skilled sport.”
Girdwood-Reich shall be obtainable to play for his new membership after the MLS’ secondary switch window opens on July 18.
His departure comes sizzling on the heels of the Sky Blues’ announcement that captain Luke Brattan was leaving the membership after 5 years of service.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who made 119 appearances in all competitions for the Sydneysiders, is becoming a member of Macarthur FC, with the Bulls set to make an announcement this week.
“All good issues come to an finish and I want everybody right here a lot success sooner or later,” Brattan mentioned.
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