A-League: Sydney FC confirms Bobo, Adrian Mierzejewski transfers

THE departures of A-League Golden Boot Bobo and Johnny Warren Medallist Adrian Mierzejewski could result in ex-Spain star Fernando Torres suiting up in Sydney FC’s sky blue.

Sydney FC has sold stars Bobo and Adrian Mierzejewski.

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SYDNEY FC has announced that A-League Golden Boot Bobo and Johnny Warren Medallist Adrian Mierzejewski have been sold to clubs in Turkey and China respectively.

Bobo, 33, heads to Europe following two successful seasons with the Sky Blues.

“I’ve had a fantastic couple of years with Sydney FC which have been among the most memorable in my career and I will never forget my time in Australia,” he said.

“However, this is a unique opportunity for me and my family to pursue one final challenge in my career.

“I’d like to thank Sydney FC, all of my teammates, the staff and most importantly our fantastic members for their support throughout my time at the club.

Bobo and Adrian Mierzejewski with former Sydney FC boss Graham. Picture: Getty Images

“I know Steve and the club wanted me to stay and they tried very hard to persuade me, but this is an opportunity I feel I need to take at this stage of my career, and I am hugely grateful to everyone at Sydney FC for their understanding on the matter.”

Former Polish international Mierzejewski leaves the Sky Blues one season into a three-year deal and apparently under less amicable circumstances.

Last month Mierzejewski posted a pair of cryptic tweets that hinted at problems.

The 31-year old is expected to be officially unveiled in China within the coming days.

Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica thanked both players for their service and is confident of replacing them.

AAP reports that ex-Spain striker Fernando Torres looms as a prime target.

Torres is considering his options after calling time on his second spell at childhood club Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.

Bobo won the A-League’s Golden Boot and was Sky Blues player of the Year. Picture: AAP

The 34-year-old former Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan striker has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS or Japan but the A-League, and in particular Sydney, could entice him Down Under — in a similar way to Alessandro Del Piero in 2012.

“There’s no doubt Bobo and Adrian had excellent seasons for us and we wanted both to stay, but it’s part of football that players want to move on and seek fresh challenges and experiences for their family,” he said.

Bobo and Mierzejewski’s departures leave the Sky Blues with a marquee position and four international player spots to fill and the cash injection from the transfers, believed to exceed $2 million dollars, will provide a significant war chest as Corica rejuvenates the squad.

“We have some very exciting targets who we are talking to and I’m looking forward to bringing in more quality to an already experienced and talented squad,” he said.

Adrian Mierzejewski claimed the Johnny Warren Medal. Picture: Getty Images

“We have a very solid base and the injection of new blood and some fresh faces will ensure the squad remains healthy and revitalised as we attempt to achieve even greater things this season.”

Both players were offered improved contracts but Sydney FC chief executive officer Danny Townsend believes the deals also represent sensible business for the club.

“The performances of both players last season meant they were in high demand and we offered both upgraded deals to stay,” said Townsend.

“They were under contract so we could have stood firm but, having discussed the situation with Steve and his football department, and given both players’ desire to leave, we felt it was in the best interests of Sydney FC to allow them to move on, providing the club’s asking price was met.

“Sydney FC has a proven record in being able to recruit some of the best players in Hyundai A-League history and I have every confidence that will continue.”

Originally published as A-League: Sydney FC confirms Bobo, Adrian Mierzejewski transfers