Danning secures Vise switch

6 august 2012 05:08

Young winger Kofi Danning is leaving A-League champions Brisbane Roar for Belgian second division side CS Vise.

The 21-year-old speedster impressed Vise scouts with his performances in the Asian Champions League earlier this year.

He will travel to Belgium on Wednesday to undergo a medical before signing a two-year deal with the option for a third season.

The deal was helped by the fact that both clubs are owned by the Bakrie Group, a billion-dollar Indonesian company who completed a full takeover of the Roar in February.

New Roar coach Rado Vidosic said that Vise 'loved' what they saw in the former Australia youth team player.

"They spoke to him and he expressed a desire to go over there and have a go," Vidosic said.

The Roar hope the transfer, for which they will receive no compensation despite Danning having one year left on his contract, will be the start of a beneficial relationship with the Belgian club.

"This is the first deal in our relationship with Vise. They've got a few players that we are looking at as well," Vidosic said.

"We've got our full number of players for this season but if we need something for next season, that would be a good way to do things."

Roar general manager Sean Dobson wished Danning well and said the move would strengthen ties between the clubs.

"We wish him all the best for his future," he said.

"Kofi is not only a talented footballer but a great character and he'll be missed around the club.

"This is the pilot of a partnership that can provide Australian footballers opportunities in international football with Bakrie Group support."

Danning, who only signed for the Roar last year after previously playing for Sydney FC, is excited by the chance to play in Europe.

"I'm very excited but it's very daunting at the same time," he said.