Teague departs for Europe as Sydney FC receive bumper fee

Ryan Teague has left Sydney FC after the Sky Blues accepted a substantial offer from a European club, believed to be Portuguese outfit FC Famalicao.

The Sky Blues confirmed on Thursday that a six-figure transfer fee had been secured for the 18-year-old midfielder, who flew overseas for a medical on Monday night.

Feature image courtesy of Jaime Castaneda

Teague captained Australia at the FIFA-U17 World Cup in Brazil last October-November and was one of the club’s most highly rated academy prospects after originally being identified by club Technical Director Kelly Cross as an 11-year-old in 2013.

But despite signing a Hyundai A-League contract last September the midfielder has struggled for game time in Steve Corica’s side and played just eight minutes this season – a late substitute appearance in a 5-1 win against Brisbane Roar in which he conceded a penalty.

“I’ve had four fantastic years at Sydney FC since I joined the Academy at its inception in late 2015,” Teague told the club’s website.

“The development I’ve received from our Technical Director Kelly Cross, the coaching staff and the high performance team has been first class.

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“Being part of the Hyundai A-League set up over the last 18 months has also been amazing and I feel my game has gone to another level because of that.

“This is a great opportunity ahead and I’m thankful to the club for allowing me to pursue it.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of living and playing in Europe and I’m sure my development at Sydney FC will stand me in good stead.”

Sydney boss Corica added that Teague had always been earmarked as a player for the future.

“Hopefully he achieves his potential and we see him become a top player in Europe and for the Socceroos, at which point I’ll be delighted to say Sydney FC had a part to play.”

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