Adelaide United captain Isaias linked with Qatari club, as A-League season structure puzzles

Incoming Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek will contend with a lopsided fixture list and the potential departure of the Reds’ inspirational leader when he arrives at the club next month.

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Incoming Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek will contend with a lopsided fixture list and the potential departure of the Reds’ inspirational leader when he arrives next month.

The Dutchman was unveiled as Marco Kurz’s successor on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation when he signed a two-year contract with the club.

But Verbeek, who was due to touch down in SA in mid-June, might have his work cut out as reports linking captain Isaias with a move to a Qatari side continued to gain momentum.

He would also be left scratching his head, after the release of next season’s A-League calendar revealed United would play all teams twice and only “select” opponents three times.

Adelaide last week confirmed it had been approached by a west Asian club about recruiting midfield maestro Isaias ahead of the coming campaign.

A Reds spokesman on Friday said a formal offer had yet to tabled for the Spanish-born star, who was under contract until the end of 2019/20.

New Adelaide United coach may face a challenging introduction his tenure as Reds boss. Picture: Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images

But four-time club champion Isaias was believed to be edging closer to an exit, despite his agent this week denying a winter transfer was on the cards for the 159-game skipper.

The lucrative financial offer likely to be offered by the cashed-up Gulf club would be an attractive proposition for the 32-year-old, who was entering the twilight of his career.

Such a move would draw the curtain on Isaias’ stunning six-year stint with the Reds, which had yielded an A-League championship and premiership double, as well two FFA Cups.

Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia drew widespread consternation as it announced the structure for ushering start-up franchise Western United into an 11-team competition.

The new campaign, due to kick-off on October 11, would feature three byes for each club and the continuation of matches through FIFA international breaks, unlike this past season.

Most debate surrounding the 26-game, 29-round concept centred on teams meeting all rivals on two occasions, but just six sides three times.

FFA said maximising TV ratings, maintaining fairness and integrity, and boosting crowds and commercial opportunities, would be the priorities when determining third-opponent match-ups.

Inspirational Adelaide United captain Isaias has been linked with a move to a Qatari club. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

United chief executive Nathan Kosmina backed the move, which was the first deviation from the 10-club, 27-round format since 2010/11.

“The club has confidence in the structure of the fixture and how it caters for the challenge that an 11-team competition presents,” Kosmina said.

“The club will have third-round fixture preferences in accordance with the guiding principles FFA has presented.

“We will work with FFA and (Hindmarsh Stadium operator) Adelaide Venue Management Corporation in the coming weeks on the structure of the draw as we do each pre-season.

“We are looking forward to the challenge the new season will present, particularly with the introduction Western United FC, who will no doubt breathe new life into the season fixture.”

A Reds spokesman denied reports United great Bruce Djite had agreed to return to the club as football director.

He would not confirm whether title-winning captain Eugene Galekovic was in negotiations to take over as Adelaide goalkeeper coach on the back of Frank Juric’s exit.