Adelaide United completes its A-League squad by signing Chinese midfielder Yongbin Chen

Adelaide United has completed its A-League squad — and filled its international player quota — by recruiting a Chinese midfielder who failed to register a first-team appearance this past season.

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A CHINESE midfielder, who failed to register a senior appearance for his third-tier club this past season, has completed Adelaide United’s squad for the A-League campaign.

Yongbin Chen was confirmed as a Reds recruit on Tuesday night, less than two hours before the Australian domestic transfer window closed.

But the 20-year-old, signed from Adelaide’s sister side Qingdao Red Lions on a year-long deal, will not land in SA until he has received a visa clearance.

Chen did not feature in Qingdao’s first-team this China League Two season, which finished this month.

The attacking midfielder will occupy United’s fifth and final international player spot, and his arrival fulfils the club’s 20-player first-team squad minimum.

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Adelaide United chairman Piet van der Pol has overseen the signing of Chinese midfielder Yongbin Chen at the Reds. Picture: Dylan Coker

But it leaves United with just two established centre backs — Michael Jakobsen and Jordan Elsey — along with Michael Marrone, who filled in at the heart of defence last summer.

Reds chairman Piet van der Pol, who is also president of Qingdao, said Chen was a welcome addition.

“We are very happy to finalise our squad with the addition of Yongbin Chen,” van der Pol said.

“During our scouting processes, we had looked at a couple of other possible signings.

“However (the club) decided upon Chen, as we believe he is one of the most promising young talents at Qingdao Red Lions.

Yongbin Chen joins SA-born midfielder Riley McGree among five Adelaide United recruits this campaign. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

“At 20 years of age, Chen is an offensive midfielder who has a lot of potential and we are excited to contribute to his development at Adelaide United.

“This is consistent with our approach to developing youth talent and we hope to continue this in the future.”

Chen becomes Adelaide’s fifth recruit this campaign after Riley McGree, Michael Maria, Kristian Opseth and James Troisi.

He will wear the number 28 shirt for the Reds.