More than 100 off-contract A-League players up for grabs for incoming Adelaide United coach
Adelaide United’s incoming coach will have room to rebuild the squad in their vision, as well as the pick of more than 100 A-League free agents, when they replace Marco Kurz at the helm.
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Adelaide United’s incoming coach will have room to rebuild the squad in their vision, as well as the pick of more than 100 A-League free agents, when they replace Marco Kurz.
The new manager, who would move into the hot seat next season after Kurz was not offered an extended deal, might be without up to seven currently off-contract Reds players.
Add to that the already confirmed departure of striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos at the end of the campaign and the boss-to-be would have considerable scope to bring in fresh blood.
United’s clean slate reflected a competition-wide trend of clubs leaving their options open as the season entered its home straight.
According to a study by The Advertiser, 101 senior players’ deals were due to expire in June.
This ranged from Melbourne City, which had six players with first-team experience set to come off contract, to Brisbane Roar, which had a whopping 18.
The uncertainty opened up a wealth of recruitment options for the Reds’ playing list, provided the club’s owners backed their new coach in tabling financially attractive offers.
United had scored just 27 goals this summer, equalling the bottom-placed Central Coast Mariners for the worst return in the league.
SA-born playmaker James Troisi would surely consider a return home as his Melbourne Victory contract neared conclusion.
The 37-cap Socceroo would add a much-needed eye-for-goal to the Reds’ attack, along with the creativity to carve out openings, given his league-high eight assists this term.
Golden Boot leader Roy Krishna (15 goals) would be a dream pick-up for United, but was sure to be in hot demand with his Wellington deal set to run down.
A more realistic option for Adelaide might be Western Sydney’s out-of-contract Dutch midfielder Roly Bonevacia, who had seven strikes and six assists in a struggling team.
Andrew Hoole had fallen out of favour at Central Coast, but would be an interesting option after demonstrating his talent with a brilliant long-range goal against the Reds in January.
Creative talents Eric Bautheac, of Brisbane, and Ronald Vargas, of Newcastle Jets, would also be quality additions, albeit with considerably higher wage demands.
United had been hampered by a lack of defensive stocks this season, after selling Taylor Regan left it with just two recognised centre backs.
Bart Schenkeveld had shone at the heart of Melbourne City’s defence since arriving in the A-League from Holland two seasons ago and was yet to commit for next campaign.
Perth Glory’s Australian international stopper Matthew Spiranovic was another possible high-profile target for Adelaide.
The Reds still hoped to tie impressive winger Nikola Mileusnic and standout left back Scott Galloway to new deals for 2019/20.
Veteran midfielder Vince Lia’s versatility made him another strong candidate to extend his stay, but Danish attacker Ken Ilso’s days might be numbered due to limited game-time.
Youngsters Kristin Konstandopoulos and Lachlan Brook would hope for more chances to prove themselves, while long-term injury victim Baba Diawara appeared set for the exit door.
OFF-CONTRACT A-LEAGUE PLAYERS
Melbourne City — six players
Potential Reds target: Bart Schenkeveld
Newcastle Jets — 7
Potential Reds target: Ronald Vargas
Sydney FC — 7
Potential Reds target: Jop van der Linden
Adelaide United — 7
Melbourne Victory — 9
Potential Reds target: James Troisi
Perth Glory — 11
Potential Reds target: Matthew Spiranovic
Western Sydney Wanderers — 11
Potential Reds target: Roly Bonevacia
Wellington Phoenix — 12
Potential Reds target: Roy Krishna
Central Coast Mariners — 13
Potential Reds target: Andrew Hoole
Brisbane Roar — 18
Potential Reds target: Eric Bautheac
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