Curacao international left back Michael Maria becomes Adelaide United’s second off-season recruit
Adelaide United is set to sign a 19-cap international, who featured in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and has played in the Netherlands and Germany, as its second off-season recruit.
A 19-CAP international, who featured in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and has played in the Netherlands and Germany, is set to become Adelaide United’s second off-season recruit.
Curacao left back Michael Maria was expected to complete a medical on Wednesday, before being unveiled as a Reds player later this week.
The 24-year-old was born in Holland, but represents the Caribbean nation through his ancestral ties to the former Dutch colony.
He was spotted watching Adelaide’s pre-season friendly win over NPL SA side MetroStars at Taperoo Reserve on Tuesday night after touching down in SA earlier that day.
Maria, a youth product of Netherlands giant PSV Eindhoven, was expected to put pen to paper in the next 24 hours to be reunited with coach Gertjan Verbeek.
The Reds boss handed him his senior debut as a youngster while the pair was at German second-tier side VfL Bochum.
Verbeek also signed Maria last January for then Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente, where he went on to make 17 appearances, scoring two goals.
He helped the Tukkers to the second division title last season and promotion back to the top flight.
Maria, who also plays as a defensive midfielder, appeared in every game of Curacao’s run to the Gold Cup quarter-finals last month, alongside ex-Wellington attacker Roly Bonevacia.
The world’s 79th ranked nation was eventually knocked out of north and central American championships by host nation the US.
Maria most recent club action was for Charlotte Independence in the USL Championship.
His arrival would follow the Reds’ capture of midfielder Riley McGree, who had returned for his second stint with his hometown team.
It came as star winger Craig Goodwin edged closer to finalising his move to the Middle East.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda announced the signing of the four-cap Socceroo on its Twitter page on Wednesday.
But Goodwin was believed to still be in Adelaide and yet to complete a medical with the four-time Pro League champion.