Michael Essien looks set to join A-League outfit, Melbourne Victory, in a deal that will see him introduced as the second player to gain status as a ‘full season guest marquee player’. The news will be welcomed by ‘Blues’ supporters as the club attempts to compete with bitter rivals, Melbourne City – who recently signed Tim Cahill on a one-year deal.
The former Chelsea enforcer has since been plagued with injuries following his time at Stamford Bridge - where he lifted both the Premier and Champions League. What followed was a trophyless journey through the Mediterranean, plying his trade for Real Madrid, AC Milan and most recently, Panathinaikos.
Much like the Greek economy, Essien’s career was in turmoil. Out of contract and down on his luck, he pondered the idea of retirement at the age of 33. Fortunately for anybody who is a fan of a big tackle, Melbourne Victory may have tempted ‘The Bison’ to sport their jersey for the coming season.
While the transfer is yet to be confirmed by the Football Federation of Australia (FFA), chief executive, David Gallop’s recent comments on the Ghanaian international would suggest that the deal is imminent;
Michael Essien has had a tremendous domestic and international career, which qualifies him for a position on a Player Roster as a Full Season Guest Marquee Player and we have come to an agreed financial contribution if a club was to come to an agreement.
With the arrival of Essien and Cahill to the shores of Australia – and potentially Miroslav Klose to follow – it is shaping up to be quite the season in the A-League.
