Yaya Dukuly has rejoined Adelaide United but Reds coach Carl Veart wanted more from transfer window

After a frustrating stint in France, a former Australian youth international has returned to Adelaide United.

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart is pleased about Yaya Dukuly’s return to the Reds. Picture: Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart says the Reds must be “smarter” with their recruitment if they are to challenge for an A-League title.

Despite the return of experienced midfielder Stefan Mauk and exciting winger Yaya Dukuly to Adelaide during the transfer window that closed this week, Veart was left frustrated by the club’s failure to sign more players.

“We just couldn’t find the players that we were looking for, so we have to push on for the rest of the season,” Veart said.

“We have to be smarter with our recruitment and smarter where we put the money that we have available for the squad.”

Dukuly has returned to Adelaide less than two years after leaving the club.

The 21-year-old attacker departed the Reds in June 2022 to join French club Reims.

However, having being confined to the club’s B team and not playing any first-team football, Dukuly has rejoined the Reds on a 2½ season deal.

Reds coach Carl Veart has welcomed back Yaya Dukuly to Adelaide. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“I have always enjoyed my time with Adelaide United and I can’t wait to reconnect with my new teammates,” the former Australian under-20 representative said.

“I can’t wait to play in front of a packed Coopers Stadium in front of the passionate United supporters.”

R Veart said Dukuly – who made 14 A-League appearances during his first stint with the Suth Australian club – would “add a new dimension” to Adelaide’s attack.

“He is a player with tremendous potential and fits perfectly into our style of play,” Veart said.

“His speed, skill, and hunger to succeed will undoubtedly bolster our attacking options.”

He’s been away in that different environment for the last 18 months, so he’s developed his game a fair bit, and he’s developed his mental toughness as well.

“We’ll see a very different player that’s coming back that knows what it’s like now about what he needs to do to get his game to that next level.”

Dukuly won’t be available for the Reds’ home clash against Perth Glory on Friday night.

Unhappy with eighth-placed Adelaide’s current form, Veart said almost “half the team” that started in last Saturday night’s embarrassing 4-0 loss to The Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium would be dropped.

“We’ve had a few tough discussions with the group over the last couple of weeks and that will be reflected in the side that’s selected (against Perth),” he said.

“I am a coach that wants to have success. I don’t like not being at the top.”