There are few stars in football bigger than American forward Deontre Dunstan, and Sportvereniging Red Star Aalst has stunned the football world by acquiring him. The price was steep as Red Star reportedly paid a club record $2,000,000 (approximately €1,700,000) transfer fee to American powerhouse Long Beach Lions. The 33 year old Dunstan has spent his whole professional career with the Lions, and in his 15 seasons he played 436 league matches scoring 485 goals, including a 52 goal campaign a year ago.
Thousands of excited Aalst fans gathered at the club's training facilities today for Deontre Dunstan's introductory press event. He showed off his brand new #10 red and black shirt, and briefly addressed the crowd. "It is great to be here in Aalst in front of so many fans who appreciate my greatness" said Dunstan, pointing out to the gathered crowd. "There are some other talented players in Belgium, but I am ready to show them that Deontre and Red Star are here to win. I hope that they are prepared as well. It's going to be very fun."
Manager Modraed Engham reiterated the club's commitment to success in his address to the gathered fans and media. "We want to make bold steps towards competing with the best that the BPL has to offer. I think this is a move that proves how serious we are towards that goal. The work is still to come, but acquiring quality players and building a quality team is what we are all about here. I look forward to seeing Deontre at training, adding his talents to our own."
The club shop almost immediately sold out of Dunstan-branded merchandise, but is expected to have more prepared in advance of the club's exhibition matches to come.