Adelaide United has joined a host of A-League clubs on the hunt for a new line-leading striker with Bruce Djite set for an imminent transfer to South Korea.
Djite, 29, need only pass a medical on Tuesday to seal a shock move to K-League side Suwon FC.
“Sad to see him go but success breeds opportunities. Club actively pursuing all options,” tweeted Adelaide CEO Grant Meyer.
Djite would become the fourth player from Adelaide’s victorious A-League grand final side to leave the club during the off-season, following Stefan Mauk (NEC), Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam) and Bruce Kamau (Melbourne City).
The loss of club stalwart Djite, who has scored 35 goals in 133 appearances across two stints with Adelaide, would sting after coach Guillermo Amor’s decision to release Spaniard Pablo Sanchez.
If Djite goes, the only recognised striker left on their books would be Sergio Cirio.
Adelaide have only one remaining foreign spot and may be forced to use it on a replacement for Djite, with the few Australian forwards available on the open market unlikely to be lured to the club.
A-League rivals Western Sydney, Sydney FC and Newcastle are all looking to sign strikers, while Brisbane Roar also need back-up for star man Jamie Maclaren.
Adelaide are back in official action on August 3, when they face Redlands United at Brisbane’s Perry Park in the FFA Cup round of 32.
Waz
Guest
Troisi to sign with an A league club this week (Victory?) which kinda leaves us better off striker-wise than last season!
Lionheart
Guest
AU didn't do too well last season, until Bruce came good in their game v Roar. Then they, and Bruce, never looked back. Good luck to big Bruce, he's an enjoyable player to watch when at his peak scoring goals.
Bob
Guest
hope not, he's been scoring at a rate of a goal every ten games since 2009. AU need a goalscorer not any Spanish player that's been through the Barca system
Bob
Guest
Only Troisi on your list makes sense and even then he's not an outright striker. Ei Babalj, over rated and best left "over there" if AU didn't learn enough about his limitations before he got injured last season then they're foolish!
Bob
Guest
Strange? Surely we have four of the best strikers ever to play in the HAL lined up to start the new season - Keogh, Berisha, Maclaren and Fornaroli?? some drought plus you can throw in Jets Scandinavian striker, Mariners Irish thug and really there's only SFC, WSW and now Adelaide short on striking stocks!
Josh
Guest
WSW are not rivals FYI
aladdin sane
Guest
No biggie, he had a decent patch towards the back end of the season but his record in front of goal over the years is pretty meh for a striker. Im sure Adelaide will be able to replace him without too much trouble.
Franko
Guest
Hearing the name Sito Riera.
Franko
Guest
They've raised some funds: Mauk $450,000 Goodwin $300,00 Djite $300,000 I guess you can include the Jeggo fee also. Be interesting to see the striker replacement, Pablo Sanchez anyone? Would think Aussies Brett Holman, Eli Babalj, Nathan Burns and James Troisi would all be in the conversation.