Sydney FC have announced the departure of academy graduate Jake Girdwood-Reich, who is heading to MLS side St Louis City for a club record transfer fee.
The versatile midfielder and defender, who celebrated his 20th birthday last week, is jetting off to the US to embark on a new chapter in his career after breaking onto the scene in this season’s Isuzu UTE A-League campaign as the Sky Blues reached the Semi Finals.
Girdwood-Reich joined Sydney’s academy at age 12; his departure will net the club a seven–figure fee, making him the club’s first million-dollar-plus transfer.
“I love this club, 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,” he said
“I’ve got so many great memories, winning the Australia Cup was an unbelievable feeling and getting my first contract was the best thing I’ve experienced in my life.
“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.”
Girdwood-Reich exploded this season, his first full campaign at senior level, making 25 appearances, scoring once and adding an assist as he broke into Ufuk Talay’s first team, showcasing his versatility in central defence and defensive midfielder.
The Australia U23 international was named Sydney FC’s Rising Star in 2022 and was named on the bench in the PFA Team of the Season last month.
In total, the 20-year-old made 45 senior appearances for Sydney.
As he heads to the MLS, he could soon be taking on some of the biggest names in world football.
“I’ve always wanted to play in America and when this opportunity came up it really caught my eye,” he continued.
“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 boss Talay said: “Jake has done extremely well and fully deserves this opportunity to progress his career.
“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.
“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 become available to make his debut for St Louis after the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 18.
