Fred set to debut for D.C. United
We reported a couple of weeks ago that Fred, of Melbourne Victory... well formerly of Melb. Victory has now signed on with DC United of the MLS, just in time to face CD Guadalajara in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. Details of the move have been kept private and pretty low key as I haven’t really seen news of this transfer on any other site besides DC’s website.
Read the article here.
This is somewhat concerning for Australia and should be ringing alarm bells. Basically, Fred was the import of the year and arguably the best player of the A-league 2006-07 seasons. The fact that he was plucked straight out of Melbourne at the end of his contract goes to show that developing the league may take a lot longer than expected. Why? Because players that genuinely offer class, excitement and entertainment to the league will most likely be snapped up in the off season. Two reasons why I think this happens:
1. the end of the A-League coincides perfectly with the mid season break or start of all the other seasons around the world, so the players are match fit and ready to go.
2. the clubs here are limited by salary caps and can’t complete with the carrots being dangled in front of the players.
It's a shame that Fred has left the club and won't be around to guide Melbourne through their Asian Champions League matches next year. Anyway, all the best to Fred, without a doubt he'll have a great time over in the USA.