Another of Melbourne Victory’s stars is off to Europe, with the club confirming Ryan Teague will join Belgian outfit KV Mechelen for an undisclosed fee.
Teague, who spent four years in Portugal before joining Victory, has earned himself another shot in Europe after two stellar seasons in midfield that also earned him a Socceroos debut.
This season, the 23-year-old played 28 matches, finishing second in the club’s Victory Medal, being named in the PFA Team of the Season and being named their Players’ Player of the Year.
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“My time with Melbourne Victory has been both challenging and rewarding,” Teague said.
“Having the opportunity to play for the largest club in the league, reaching two Grand Finals and contributing to the success of the Club has been a privilege.
“While I now step away from Victory, I’m grateful to the fans for their constant support as well as the opportunities and growth the last two years have provided.”
Victory’s Director of Football John Didulica added: “Ryan has shown exceptional growth since he joined the Club two seasons ago and we are incredibly proud of the role we were able to play in the development of his career.
“Ryan arrived at Victory after a difficult period in Europe and his transfer to KV Mechelen is a testament to both the program we are building and the ability of players with Ryan’s motivation to thrive in our environment.
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“We thank Ryan for his contribution to Melbourne Victory and have no doubt he will be an asset to Australian football over the next decade.”
Teague becomes the third Victory star to earn a high-profile European move on the back of a season where the club made it all the way to the Grand Final, joining Daniel Arzani (Ferencvaros) and Kasey Boy (Mainz).
He now joins four-time Belgian champions Mechelen, who finished eighth on the ladder after the regular season last term.
“It took a bit longer than expected,” admitted Mechelen Sporting Director Tom Caluwé to the club’s official website.
“I am happy that we can finally announce Ryan. It was a feat to get him here. Finding a good flight was already a task. In the end, due to circumstances, he was even on the road for more than 40 hours.
“Ryan Teague has ambition, just like us. He was very charmed by the project we presented to him. I am sincerely happy that we can add him to our core. He has a very nice profile and potential to grow together with our club.”
