The name Remy Cho might have football fans scratching their heads, but recognition might not be too far off for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder.
After cutting his teeth in Victoria’s NPL, Cho - who according to agent Ante Alilovic possess the strut of Daniel Arzani and the potential to match - headed to Celtic to trial.
With Tom Rogic, rookie Leo Mazis and most recently Arzani himself on their books, the Hoops liked what they saw.
But a work permit proved problematic.
Enter Alilovic, the ex-professional who masterminded Tim Cahill’s money-laden spell in China at the back end of his career.
A trial was arranged with the club from suburban Madrid leading up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
And, lo and behold, Cho became the first player of Chinese background to sign with a team from La Liga, on a two-year contract.
While the news barely registered in Australia, where Cho was born and bred, ripples rolled back to China, whose emissaries have already sounded Cho out on linking up with their Under-20s.
Sydney-based Alilovic, who played in Croatia and Germany before injury cut short his career, believes Cho has the quality to succeed in arguably world football’s most technically demanding league.
“He’s initially joined the under-19 squad at Leganés and he’s in the midst of pre-season now,” he said.
“I can see him forcing his way into the second team at some point this season, and from there he can make a name for himself.
“His technique is superb, his first touch is quality and he’s excellent going forward.
“When he first arrived at Leganés the coaching staff there were convinced he must have a Spanish father!”
In fact, both parents hail originally from China - hence the interest in Cho from the country of his lineage.
“Like Tom Rogic, he’s played years of futsal, and his skill set is excellent,” added Alilovic.
“His preference is to play for Australia because he was born and raised there but with China already showing interest, it's of course going to be temping for him because of his heritage.”
Alilovic is perplexed at how a player of Cho’s promise remained on the periphery in Australia.
“He’s an Aussie kid ...why don’t we know about these players,” he said.
“Does anybody from the FFA know he signed at Leganés? These players from division two state league clubs in Melbourne are flying over to Europe and signing contacts.
“Why are they leaving Australia? Because they’re not getting a run in the A-League.
“They’re apparently not good enough to sign a youth contract in the A-League yet are good enough to sign for a La Liga club.
“There’s a great opportunity now for Remy. It might not work out, or he might make his debut against Barcelona.
“Kids develop in different ways ... some get homesick while others flourish.
“For me, Remy is mentally strong. He has a cockiness about him and I like that.
“He reminds me of Daniel Arzani. He’s got no fear.”
Leganés, who finished 17th last season, were promoted to the top tier for the first time in their 90-year history in 2016.
Los Pepineros (The Cucumber Growers), play at the 11,000-capacity Estadio Municipal de Butarque, seemingly a world away from neighbouring Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano and Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu.
But they have been punching above their weight, reaching the semi-final of the Copa del Rey last season by eliminating Real Madrid in the last eight thanks to a 2–1 win at Santiago Bernabéu.
