In a stunning move, national team stars Phil and James Younghusband are leaving FC Meralco Manila to sign a five year deal with the Davao Aguilas after playing for the Sparks the last six years.
Meralco made the announcement on its official Facebook account last Saturday just a few hours before the Sparks were to play the Aguilas in the Philippines Football League in what will turn out to be the last match of the Younghusband brothers for the club.
Davao Aguilas owner Jefferson Cheng told the Inquirer he was actually surprised with Meralco’s announcement since the transfer has yet to be finalized.
But the businessman confirmed that talks between Davao and Meralco over the Younghusbands’ transfer were making headway and could be completed by next week.
While Meralco is in second with 24 points, Davao has yet to win in its first 11 matches in the PFL, drawing five times and losing six matches to be at seventh in the table.a
The brothers have been the face of the Meralco franchise since signing in 2011 when the club was still playing in the United Football League. With the Younghusbands leading the way, the Sparks became a force in Philippine club football, winning the UFL Cup in 2013.
“It is with great sadness that FC Meralco Manila announces today (Saturday) that James Younghusband and Phil Younghusband will be leaving the club and transferring to Davao Aguilas FC during the current PFL transfer window,” the club said in a statement. “The match today against the Aguilas in Tagum will be their final game in Meralco colors.”
The club said it “made an earnest attempt to keep James and Phil in Manila with an offer of a contract extension.” Phil and James’ three year deals were set to expire at the end of the August which meant they were allowed to talk to other clubs for a possble move.
“But the brothers elected to pursue this opportunity with Davao. They asked for a release from their current contract and we have granted it, allowing them to sign with the Aguila.”
A source close to the brothers said Meralco offered a two year deal.
“In the end, the decision boiled down to the length of the contract,” said the source. “Davao really showed that they wanted the brothers in the club.”
Financial terms of the transfer as well as the brothers’ contract were not disclosed.
“This is a great and exciting opportunity for the brothers to help a new club like Davao grow,” the source added.
In its statement, Meralco also expressed gratitude to the Younghusband brothers for their contributions to the club.
“Their leadership, work ethic, and professionalism never failed to inspire their teammates,” said FC Meralco Manila vice chairman Randy Roxas.
“Off the pitch the Younghusband brothers embodied our club’s values in every way and tirelessly worked to promote the game and serve as ambassadors for Meralco. We can never thank them enough for all they have given to us,” Roxas added.
“The Meralco family wishes James and Phil the best in their new adventure. We will continue to support them when they play for the national team,” Viboy Genuino, head of the Meralco Corporate Business Group, who is also a director of the club.
The club added that it has the utmost confidence in the remaining players. “This is a fantastic opportunity for them to prove their worth to the team and pick up the slack both on the field and in the dressing room,” it said. “We have a tremendous amount of faith in our squad as we look to challenge for the inaugural PFL crown.”