Melbourne Victory are reportedly close to signing former Chelsea star Michael Essien for the upcoming A-League season.
Victory have been in talks with the former African Footballer of the Year and he could even play in this month’s FFA Cup quarter-final against Bentleigh Greens if he passes a medical, according to Fairfax Media.
“Melbourne Victory can confirm it has made inquiries about securing former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as a full season guest marquee player for the 2016/17 season”, the club said.
The 33-year-old Ghana midfielder scored 17 goals in 168 matches for Chelsea, and most recently played for Panathinaikos in Greece.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Close but no cigar. I guess he didn't share the same vi$ion as Tim Cahill.
Realfootball
Guest
Agree with Mid, the best squad seen in the HAL so far. Outstanding. I have don't have high hopes for my Brisbane side in the first fixture at Suncorp, but am looking forward to the game immensely.
Squizz
Guest
FBK would be pushing for that first XI but I can't see Austen doing much apart from the occasional sub appearance. Pasquali, at this stage isn't in the senior squad. I would not be surprised if someone came along and offered him a multi-year first squad spot at a relatively low rate.
Rusty0256
Guest
Middy you've forgotten about Ben Kalfallah as well. Depending on form, our first 11 is more likely to have Troisi fighting Bozanic for the No. 10 role, and Austin and FBK in competition for the left wing, and the way it's looked in most of our practice matches Austin seems to be getting most of the starts, so I'm not sure he would have many questions about his decision. You also haven't listed young wunderkid Sebastian Pasquali who also will undoubtedly get some minutes this year. What is outstanding about our squad is the level of completion in virtually every outfield position (and yes, goalkeeper could be a problem as we only have young Spinella as backup). As for Connor Pain, he was very much on the outer last season and wouldn't get near the current first 11 so good luck to him and CCM for a re-boot.
Midfielder
Guest
On paper this is the best Hal squad ever IMO... Austin must be questioning his decision now, with Troisi and Rojas in the side... and Conner Pain must be saying thank the lord above I left... Thomas Geria - Baro - Ansell - Georgevski Valeri - Essien Bozanic Rojas - Berisha - Troisi Bench, Broxham, Ingham, Donachie, Austin, Galloway, Mahazi, Nigra
Dippy Dave
Guest
No BB, but it is hilarious to see you accusing every other poster of being the same person while running multiple accounts yourself. Keep it up, I say. Give CC my best. Your mate, DD.
Waz
Guest
Roar are having a second crack at Forlan: http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/world-cup-star-is-roars-top-target/news-story/46576a9c4fabe3460991104e96e8ae9a Although the FFA would have to change the guest marquee rules as it would be a January signing and not a full year
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Why you so long face, glass always half empty? Ding-a-ling-a-dong-a-Dave
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
So, you get paid for this.
Dippy Dave
Guest
Totally unlike you defending the completely different poster CC, right BB? Your mate, DD.
Bondy
Guest
Essien is a nice bloke if he comes I hope MVFC utilise him to his fullest he's not really a holding midfielder ..
punter
Guest
Very true Casper, but you must admit it's fairly forgettable information.
Casper
Guest
Punter - its probably because you are now old and forgetful. Only one Sydney team playing this week. Swans v Adelaide Crows, Saturday night, SCG. Now try and retain that information.
punter
Guest
Back in 2003 swans got 73K to a game at ANZ against a Melb team. Everyone knew they were playing. This week both Sydney AFL teams in finals. I don't even know who they are playing.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Pip, I love the way you keep patting yourself on the back via your many fake posters. Very funny! "That's a great comment . . . " "The best post I've read all day . . . " "You are so right . . . " "I agree Bob is wrong . . ." "You are spot on . . . " Who are u trying to kid? We know your agenda. Just out of curiosity, are you getting paid for this by the dark side Media Department or you just like stirring the pot?
AR
Guest
Fuss, it's good to see you almost back to your old self.
Nemesis
Guest
5 minute segment during the AFL finals on SEN breakfast talking about Michael Essien. That never happened in 2007. It's a shame because the AFL finals probably does deserves more respect; there's nothing else for 6 months after it ends. Maybe, 5 weeks of women's AFL will keep people involved. And, of course, there is the AFL version of tag that's being developed for summer.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I think you have spent far too much time in Eastern Europe and your memory is failing you. Soccer, and the coverage of the A-League, was much, much bigger on SEN back in 2007 than it is today. Much, much bigger, there is no comparison really. These days, you're lucky to get a 5 minute mention on SEN, but it was never like that once upon a time.
Casper
Guest
So you are still running with this story about living overseas for 9 years. I've got to ask R U OK?
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Apparently Bazza and Shazza dont know who is..........................carry on. https://twitter.com/Tommy2609/status/776003003245481984