Younghusbands’ Transfer Is Biggest Move In PFL History

In a shocking move, James and Phil Younghusband have transferred from Meralco Manila to Davao Aguilas.

It was disappointing to read that top-ranked Meralco Manila FC got rid of James and Phil Younghusband during the mid-season transfer window. The brothers are now with Davao Aguilas.

James Younghusband (photo, judebaustista.wordpress.com)

Davao made news with the signing. It was the biggest transfer signing in Philippines Football League (PFL) history. Phil and James Younghusband won 2013 UFL Cup title and PFF national club championship in 2015.

By adding this brand name, Aguilas will become stronger, better, and more attractive to fans and sponsors.

How did it happen?

The Meralco club statement read: “We made an earnest attempt to keep James and Phil in Manila with an offer of a contract extension. 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 Aguilas.”

Talking to Fox Sports Asia, Phil Younghusband labeled their move to Davao as “emotional.” He added: “We are moving on to new adventure. Davao has a good ambition of wanting to improve. They want to be at the top, they want to be the best, they want to win everything.”

The brothers in their last game with Meralco (photo, SPIN.ph)

But, in reality, Davao Aguilas is second to the bottom of the PFL table. Under normal football circumstances, the players would be worried about relegation at season’s end. But with no relegation in the PFL, that means an ambitious club can still attract stars.

While the old football adage goes “clubs will only need you as long as you deliver results,” no such condition applies to the Younghusbands.

In their last game for Meralco–ironically against Davao Aguilas–Phil assisted in two goals and James scored a goal in a 3:2 victory that took Meralco to the top of the PFL table.

So what now for Meralco?

Here’s what the club said: “The club 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. We have a tremendous amount of faith in our squad as we look to challenge for the inaugural PFL crown.”

Phil Younghusband (photo, ESPNFC.US)

Let’s face it, though. Letting go strong personalities with a professional work ethic four months before season’s end is uncommon.

And releasing players of the brother’s status–names that were synonymous with Meralco–is shocking.

I look forward to seeing James and Phil have an immediate impact at Davao.