Michael Essien is finally expected to join Melbourne Victory on a 12-month guest marquee contract, with the deal imminent according to reports.
According to GHANAsoccernet.com, Essien is now a free agent after terminating his contract with Greek club Panathinaikos yesterday and has committed himself to the Australian move.
It is believed his contract at Panathinaikos was the final hurdle in the deal, which could be completed as early as today.
Melbourne Victory have tabled a lucrative 12-month marquee offer to Essien, subject to a medical. He has been training with Chelsea’s reserves since July in a bid to stay fit.
Essien, who joined Panathinaikos last season from AC Milan, was the highest paid player at the club with an annual salary of 800,000 Euros (approx. $1.2 million).
It comes after, FFA CEO David Gallop confirmed last week that Essien had satisfied the guest marquee criteria.
“FFA has had an approach from a A-League club in relation to using a portion of the Marquee Guest Fund to bring Michael Essien to the A-League as a Full Season Guest Marquee Player,” he said.
“Michael Essien has had a tremendous domestic and international career, which qualifies him for a position on a Player Roster as a Full Season Guest Marquee Player and we have come to an agreed financial contribution if a club was to come to an agreement.’’
Essien made 168 appearances for Chelsea in just under nine years at the club, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times and the lucrative UEFA Champions League.
The Ghanian international has also enjoyed spells at AC Milan, Real Madrid and Lyon over a decorated 16 year professional club career.
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