Bernie Ibini could return to the Central Coast on a permanent basis, with Mariners coach Phil Moss hoping the former A-League star will fill the void set to be left by Michael McGlinchey.
Moss on Tuesday confirmed a loan deal was on the table for McGlinchey to join ex-manager Graham Arnold at J-League side Vegalta Sendai during the January transfer window.
Although the New Zealander is yet to agree to personal terms with the Japanese club, Moss said the “wheels are in motion”.
But the loss of McGlinchey could be Ibini’s gain.
The 21-year-old has been granted extended compassionate leave from his Chinese club Shanghai East Asia to be with his family, following the death of his father last month.
Ibini trained with the Mariners at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s inaugural match at the venue against Wellington.
“We’re happy for him to train with us, of course. He’s part of the Mariners family,” Moss said.
“Obviously there’s a lot of talk that if Mike McGlinchy gets his opportunity in Japan … that opens the door for the possibility of Bernie coming back either on loan or permanently, depending on what his agent can sort out with Shanghai.
“For me, that would make for a very sensible swap, because we know Bernie, he plays a similar position to Mikey.
“He knows our structures and the way we like to play. That would make a lot of sense to me.”
Ibini played 61 games over three seasons for the Mariners, including last season’s victorious grand final, and scored 15 goals in the process.
The Nigerian-born attacker has made 10 appearances for Shanghai since his move overseas.
Mariners skipper John Hutchinson said it was great to have Ibini back training with the squad and join his teammates at their recent Christmas party.
“Bernie being here now, it lifts the spirits of the boys because he’s such a good guy,” he said.
“All of these players who leave are always welcome back to the club.
“It’s what we try to do here at the Mariners. When we have players that leave and they leave on good terms – most of them do – we always invite them back.”
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