Dutch-bound Thompson strikes Victory truce

Melbourne Victory today announced that it had completed a six-month loan deal for star striker Archie Thompson with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

The deal involves a free loan period and grants PSV an option to purchase Thompson at the conclusion. The key to the agreement was PSV's concession to allow Victory to negotiate a permanent transfer fee for Thompson at the conclusion of the loan period, rather than up-front.

Melbourne Victory Chairman, Geoff Lord, said that Melbourne Victory had broken new ground for Australian clubs negotiating with European powers.

"We believe in Archie Thompson's ability and we were prepared to fight for the right to negotiate at market rates - not an ambit pre-determined amount," Lord said.

"We also believe in the Hyundai A-League and Melbourne Victory, and we were determined not to be pushed around and bullied into taking the first offer that came our way.

"We dug in our heels, and obviously the delay caused some angst with the player, but in the end we got what we wanted, which was a good deal for Melbourne Victory. I believe our stance has been vindicated and I hope it serves as a precedent for other Hyundai A-League clubs who find themselves in a similar position."

Thompson was understandably jubilant with the outcome.

"This deal allows me to pursue my dream of playing in the World Cup," Thompson said.

"It's a dream move to a great club and hopefully it will be a major boost for my career. I'd like to thank everybody concerned at both clubs for their efforts over the past couple of weeks to make this dream a reality."

"If all goes well during the loan, I get to join one of the largest clubs in Europe on a permanent basis," Thompson said.

"If things don't work out, I can come back to Melbourne Victory and play in front of the best supporters of the A-League."

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