Sydney FC secures million-dollar transfer amount for young star heading to Major League Soccer

Sydney FC has cashed in on one of its best young talents, who has joined an American Major League Soccer club.

Jake Girdwood-Reich has been sold by Sydney FC to a Major League Soccer club. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Sydney FC has sold emerging star Jake Girdwood-Reich to US Major League Soccer outfit St Louis City for a club record fee 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 club in an Australia Cup clash against Central Coast in July 2022.

The Australian under-23 representative, who can play as a defender or a midfielder, made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues.

“I love this club,” Girdwood-Reich said.

“I started here as a 12-year-old so I’m sad and very emotional to be leaving but incredibly thankful for what Sydney FC has done for me over the past eight years.

“It was always my dream to go through the Sydney FC academy, to play regularly in the A-League and then give it a try overseas.

“The education I’ve had here has prepared me for that and will help me enormously on my football journey.”

Jake Girdwood-Reich (right) has signed with Major League Soccer club St Louis City. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Girdwood-Reich said he had “always wanted” to play in the US and was excited by the prospect of opposing the likes of star Inter Miami pair Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

“When this opportunity came up it really caught my eye,” he said.

“St Louis are a new club, they have a clear and exciting philosophy from which I can learn, and I hope to show what I can do.

“To even have the possibility of playing against greats of the game such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez excites me.”

Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay said Girdwood-Reich deserved the chance to further his career abroad.

“He is proof that Australia’s best young talent will get an opportunity at Sydney FC and potentially unlock a path to an overseas career, Talay said.

“His development since the age of 12 is a huge credit to Sydney FC’s academy who have created the best elite pathways in professional sport.”

Girdwood-Reich will be available to play for his new club after the MLS’ secondary transfer window opens on July 18.

His departure comes hot on the heels of the Sky Blues’ announcement that captain Luke Brattan was leaving the club after five years of service.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who made 119 appearances in all competitions for the Sydneysiders, is joining Macarthur FC, with the Bulls set to make an announcement this week.

“All good things come to an end and I wish everyone here much success in the future,” Brattan said.

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Originally published as Sydney FC secures million-dollar transfer amount for young star heading to Major League Soccer