Ending weeks of speculation about Thompson's future, PSV agreed to sign the player on loan from Melbourne Victory until the end of the season, with the option to extend the contract further.

Since Australia's A-League ends in February, the deal would give Thompson more chances to prove himself to Guus Hiddink, PSV's and Australia's Coach.

"This deal allows me to pursue my dream of playing in the World Cup...It's a dream move to a great club and hopefully it will be a major boost for my career," Thompson said.

"If all goes well during the loan, I get to join one of the largest clubs in Europe on a permanent basis."

The deal marks the first transfer to a European Club from Australia's A-League Championship. Thompson will move to Eindhoven after Sunday's match against Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium, in a match which Melbourne needs to win.

Melbourne Victory officials were keen to have the last word, should PSV opt to keep the player after the 6-month loan period. Thompson had threatened to walk out of Melbourne because of the way the negotiations moved forward.

Melbourne Victory chairman Geoff Lord said the deal was good for all parties involved and hailed the transfer as the start of a new era for Australian Football, especially for Australian Clubs in talks with various European Clubs.

"We believe in Archie Thompson's ability and we were prepared to fight for the right to negotiate at market rates, not an ambit pre-determined amount," Geoff Lord said.

"We also believe in the A-League and Melbourne Victory, and we were determined not to be pushed around and bullied into taking the first offer that came our way."

"We dug in our heels and obviously the delay caused some angst with the player, but in the end we got what we wanted, which was a good deal for Melbourne Victory."

"I believe our stance has been vindicated and I hope it serves as a precedent for other A-League clubs who find themselves in a similar position."

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