New Australian A-League club Gold Coast United announced the signing of three Brazilian players for the 2009/10 season on Monday. Gold Coast confirmed that midfielders Robson (Robson Alves da Silva) and Jefferson (Jefferson Charles de Souza Pinto) had agreed terms along with striker Milson (Milson Ferreira Dos Santos). All three players have signed one-year deals with Gold Coast.
Coach Miron Bleiberg had earlier flagged that he was talking to Robson and Jefferson after watching them play on a scouting trip to Brazil, but he had been impressed by 31-year-old Milson in a trial game. "Milson is very strong in the air, and for a big guy is mobile and intelligent around the penalty box," Bleiberg said in a club statement. "Milson really caught my eye when I watched him and he will be a great asset to our squad. His experience will valuable to us."
Bleiberg returns home on Tuesday and will pursue his other transfer targets in the new year, with the club looking to complete its roster by mid-January. Among the leading players Gold Coast has on its books so far are goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan, defender Adam Griffiths and New Zealand international striker Shane Smeltz.
Gold Coast and North Queensland Fury will fill the two spots created by an expansion in the A-League from eight teams to ten for the 2009/10 season.
