Essien to sign for Australia side Melbourne Victory

Chelsea legend Michael Essien is on the verge of completing a shock move to Australian side Melbourne Victory.
 
The Ghanaian midfielder has been without a club throughout the summer after leaving Greek side Panathinaikos.

According to the Herald Sun, the 33-year-old is on the brink of joining the A-League side with just personal terms to be agreed.

In Australia’s top league, the Football Federation Australia introduced a new rule saying a full-season guest player spot will be made available to all A-League clubs above the two marquee slots in a club’s 23-man squad.

And Essien’s application has been successful just months after the FFA blocked Italy international Alessandro Diamanti’s switch to Melbourne Victory.

If he does complete his move, he will undoubtedly become one of the biggest names ever to play in Australia.

Essien, nicknamed the ‘Bison’ for his physical presence on the pitch, was one of Roman Abramovich’s most successful signings at Stamford Bridge.

With the Blues he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League amongst others.

After leaving Chelsea he featured 20 times for Italian giants AC Milan in an injury-hit spell before plying his trade in Greece.