A-League champions Melbourne Victory have swung into immediate action following this week’s Middle East raid on striker Danny Allsopp, signing Brisbane Roar’s Robbie Kruse.
The Victory continued a busy week in the transfer market with the surprise signing of Kruse, one of the country’s most promising young talents, on a two-year deal.
Kruse has played the opening five matches for the Roar this season as an injury replacement player, including their 3-3 draw with the Victory last month.
The 20-year-old is set to officially link with the Victory on Friday ahead of their clash with the Wellington Phoenix at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Kruse’s signing follows Tuesday’s departure of Allsopp to cashed-up Qatari club Al-Rayyann on a seven-figure wage.
Kruse exploded into the A-League with the Roar three seasons ago.
But off-field disciplinary issues caused problems for him last season and he played just four matches for the Roar.
Yet the Victory are convinced Kruse, a wide attacker adept on either the right or left, can play a role for the club.
“He’s proven over the past three years that he has a lot to offer in a variety of roles and we believe he’ll fit well into our attacking set-up,” Victory football manager Gary Cole said.
Roar chief executive Peter McLennan said: “Melbourne have tabled a very good offer to Robbie that unfortunately we were unable to match.”
The Victory have also promoted midfielder Mate Dugandzic to their senior squad from their youth league side, signing him on a two-year deal.
Dugandzic played well during the last Victorian Premier League season with Melbourne Knights and has impressed since training with the Victory over the past month.
Cole confirmed the club intended to make at least one further addition.
They are likely to bring in an injury replacement player for Billy Celeski, who was last week ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
“We’re looking locally and abroad and are keen to make further signings moving forward,” Cole said.
sam.gilbert
Roar Rookie
im not sure if he will fit in to the system.. obviously melbourne play narrow and he's a wide player, but could he really be a direct replacement for allsopp? i dont know if kruse has the strength or the finishing to play as a striker next to archie.. he'll certainly be different to allsopp. good move for him though, a change of scenery might be good for him. andyroo, didnt they push hard to sign leijer with muscat's retirement in mind next year?
Pippinu
Roar Guru
I have to admit, "not standing too wide" doesn't fill one with a great deal of confidence. I thought the benefit of getting him was precisely because he could "stand wide"!! :)
Art Sapphire
Guest
Here Ryan here is your answer on Merrick's plan for Kruse. "We would play him in a different role to how the Roar played him, certainly in a more attacking role and maybe not standing too wide," Merrick said. "maybe not standing too wide" Classic Merrick or as my mate put it - creator of the "worm formation"
Ryan Steele
Roar Pro
These headlines are getting out of Guy Hand. Will be interesting to see exactly how Kruse fits into Merrick's plans.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Interesting that their rebuilding (adding Leijer and Kruse) during the middle of the season. Every one was tipping MV for the title based on them keeping everyone but what a difference 5 weeks makes. Interesting times for MV and I hope the fresh legs of Kruse lift them a little. Endless comments about Mark Viduka to ensue now that he is moving back to Melbourne
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Smart, methodical move by the Victory. This move provides greater balance to a three pronged attack (if Ernie wants to play that way). With one clear cut centre-forward, Ernie can play Arch and Kruse on either side, even swapping them mid game - with Carlos in an advanced central mid role - this is a pretty good attacking formation. Ney, Danny and Arch always looked a little unbalanced as a threesome - although they did destroy the Jets early last season.
whiskeymac
Guest
Kruse is an interesting choice. Wld be a little disillusioned if i was a Roar supporter mind you - for all his shenanigans over the last few seasons they seemed to stand by him and played him a few times this season. still such is professional life - must look after yourself. here's hoping he begins to build upon his earlier promise.
David V.
Guest
Melbourne are preparing for long-term renewal. Muscat is evidently on his last legs, Allsopp is gone, players like Brebner and Fabiano also coming off their contracts- plenty of cap space to construct an even better team.