The country’s two most popular footballers are going to Davao. This time, not as visitors but as mainstays of its football team Davao Aguilas.
In what is easily the biggest move in the transfer window of the Philippines Football League, the Younghusband brothers Phil and James are set to move to the Davao Aguilas, effective next matchday.
The acquisition of the national team mainstays culminated the signing spree of the club from the south, which has been aggressive in signing players ever since the transfer window opened nearly two weeks ago.
Before securing the services of the Younghusbands, the San Miguel-backed franchise had signed former national team mainstays Jason de Jong, Simone Rota and Matt Hartmann.
“Their leadership, work ethic, and professionalism never failed to inspire their teammates,” says 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,” he added.
The Younghusbands have been with Meralco since the club’s inception in 2011 when it played in the now defunct United Football League.
The brothers led the club to two silverwares, a UFL Cup title in 2013 and the PFF national club championship two years later in 2015.
Ironically, the Younghusbands played their last game with Meralco last Saturday against Davao in nearby Tagum City.
