Girdwood-Reich earns record US 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 ...," Girdwood-Reich said.
Sydney FC central defender and midfielder Jake Girdwood-Reich turned 20 last week and received the ultimate present – confirmation of earning a contract with USA Major League Soccer (MLS) club St Louis City.
The move by the talented Jewish footballer and Australian U23 men’s squad member – who got his start at the Sydney FC Academy at the age of 12 – was made possible by the Sky Blues agreeing to a 1 million dollar transfer fee with the 2023 MLS Western Conference champions, which is an A-League-Men’s record amount.
“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,” Girdwood-Reich said.
“I’ve got so many great memories – winning the Australia Cup [last year] 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.”
The young Sky Blue played in 45 A-League games for Sydney FC and was the club’s Rising Star winner in 2022.
Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay said, “Jake has done extremely well and fully deserves this opportunity to progress his career.”
St Louis City FC manager Lutz Pfannenstiel said, “Jake’s flexibility, his energy and aggression matches our style of play.”
Girdwood-Reich will first be available to play for his new club after July 18.
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