Michael Jakobsen’s new contract still leaves three options for imports however Baba Diawara’s future with Adelaide is clouded

ADELAIDE United signing Michael Jakobsen is the first import snared by the new Reds consortium, coming hot on the heels of Jordan Elsey and Vinni Lia’s contract extensions.

Former Melbourne City captain and Dutch international Michael Jakobsen of Melbourne City contests a ball with Red Apostolos Stamatelopoulos in January. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

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ADELAIDE United signing Michael Jakobsen is the first import snared by the new consortium.

The club on Monday afternoon confirmed the former Danish international and Melbourne City captain’s signature on a two-year deal.

It follows Jordan Elsey and Vinni Lia recently extending their contracts with the Reds.

The new signing comes almost two months after The Advertiser revealed the Dane is on his way to the Reds in an unofficial exchange for centre back Ersum Gulum who, according to sources, is heading back to his home town Melbourne.

Reds signing Michael Jakobsen competes with departing Adelaide United player Daniel Adlung in March at Hindmarsh Stadium. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Jakobsen’s new contract still leaves three options for imports.

However, with Isaias expected to win Australian status before the new season kicks off, Baba Diawara’s future is clouded.

It’s understood Baba is another import who is contemplating exiting the club for personal reasons following Jakobsen’s former FC Copenhagen and Denmark teammate Johan Absalonsen and German Daniel Adlung after Algerian international Karim Matmour cut ties with the Reds in December.

Adelaide is yet to confirm Adlung’s and Absalonsen’s departures.

Jakobsen, 32, said coach Marco Kurz had convinced him to sign a fresh deal with homesickness far from his mind.

“I have been speaking to a lot of former Adelaide players in Melbourne about the club,’’ said Jakobsen who has a very strong left foot.

“I had one of my old friends Johan (Absalonsen) who used to play there and everybody was very positive about it.

“It’s a good focus they have a young team and they need someone to come in with a bit more experience.”

The Dane, however, is also very versatile.

Apart from playing as a stopper Jakobsen has had vast experience as a left-back — a timely option given Ben Garuccio has not penned an extension and is thinking about foreign options.

He can also play in a deep lying midfield role, a position where he featured at times for City under coach Warren Joyce.

In two seasons at City, Jakobsen played 43 matches and scored once.

He currently lives in Melbourne and is expected to shift to Adelaide before June 20, five days before Kurz’s scheduled first preseason training session.

He said he won’t be returning to Denmark in the off-season with his young family settling into Australia without any hassles he added.

“I’m staying in Australia and we’ve got things to take care of before we move,’’ Jakobsen said.

“We loved it here from the first day and now I’m sure Adelaide will be a very good city for us too.”