Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is $100,000 away from landing on Australian shores, according to Wollongong Wolves director Dean Merola.
Wollongong have been pushing to land Ronaldinho for a guest stint in their FFA Cup tie with Sydney FC, and Merola confirmed to Outside90 on Thursday that the club had made an offer for the 36-year-old’s services.
However, Ronaldinho’s representatives have since made a counter-offer, with an extra $100,000 required from the club to clinch a deal. Since the fresh development, Wollongong have been granted an extra 24 hours on top of the 5:00pm deadline on 5 August to sign the player.
Outside90 understands the Wolves board is split on whether to pursue the deal, with a wealthy individual or businessman required to get any agreement over the line. Merola says Football Federation Australia have not offered the club financial assistance, but remains confident $100,000 will see Ronaldinho head to Wollongong.
“The 100k extra will seal the deal I reckon,” Merola said.
“We are a club on a small budget compared to many but we have the richest history of football in the country, ambitious committee and coaching staff with professional standards.
“We want to show the country that Wollongong is not off the big stage for long. FFA haven’t offered any financial assistance to date.”
Ronaldinho last played professionally for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015.
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