Sydney FC have their marquee man!
The 29-year-old Netherlands international forward Siem de Jong signed on the dotted line to join the Sky Blues from Dutch giants Ajax in one of the biggest transfers of this Hyundai A-League season.
READ MORE: Sydney FC switch an ‘easy move’ says de Jong
READ MORE: How will de Jong and Le Fondre combine?
As the 2017-18 Premiers seek to continue the legacy of new Caltex Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold, it was no surprise that fans of Steve Corica’s team were getting excited about the prospect of a four-time Eredivisie winner and English Premier League player coming to grace the Harbour City.
Naturally, as with an announcement of this magnitude, every action has a reaction. Here’s how it went down on social media….
Thank you @SydneyFC for the opportunity to play for the biggest club in Australia. Looking forward to a great season! #ComeWithUs #SydneyIsSkyBlue 📸@jamcas50 @ Sydney, Australia https://t.co/H4Xval00nP
— Siem de Jong (@siemdejong) August 23, 2018
Calling the Sydney FC the biggest club in Australia was something that delighted Sky Blues supporters, but caused some rival fans to politely disagree (we’ll let you find those posts elsewhere!)
Welcome to the sky blue family. All the best mate!
— TR21 (@rudytee376) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/DeluxeBeatz99/status/1032478234187771904
https://twitter.com/kingwongy11/status/1032477749481361410
Welcome to Syd fc Siem de Jong time to fill the Trophy cabinet up
— Infamous 🤠 (@infamous_Bruno) August 23, 2018
Welcome to our wonderful club. Can’t wait to meet you and see you play.
— Kerri (@Kerri1157) August 23, 2018
Some loyal Sky Blues were quick to help Siem adjust to his new surroundings – by awarding him an Aussie-fied name…
He needs an Aussie nickname. Using his Christian name and his build let’s call him SLIM…..
— Rossco (@rossco1304) August 24, 2018
I like 'Simon' or 'Simmo'
— DJ (@thebalmainboy) August 24, 2018
De Jong was unveiled at a harbour-side press conference alongside his new strike partner Adam Le Fondre – a prospect that had mouths watering in the blue side of Sydney…
Our two new boys! @A1F1E9 & @siemdejong are Sky Blue 👌🏻👌🏻#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/KPvNRKqs9T
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) August 23, 2018
Hopefully lots of goals from both!!!
— Crazy A (@ADAL12) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/katiet75/status/1032516663655067649
Congratulations must go to our recruiting team who’ve done some great business in the last few months. Squad is looking very strong. Looking forward to the coming season.
— Rossco (@rossco1304) August 23, 2018
Another supporter wanted the club to take another step to help the Dutchman feel at home…
Now for our dutch orange strip to make a comback with all the Dutch signings
— Alex Mad (@AlexMadrigales) August 23, 2018
And finally, a Newcastle United fan – still lamenting De Jong’s departure – tries to take comfort in comparing the bridge over the River Tyne to the Sydney Harbour Bridge ?
Enjoy your new adventure. Always enjoyed watching you play, gutted you never showed what you can do while at Toon. Rotten luck with injuries. However while in your new home, you’ll be reminded that we have original & best bridge. pic.twitter.com/7RznOcKix4
— Graham Townsley (@No9Legends) August 23, 2018
