The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Sydney FC have beat off two rival A-League Men clubs to secure the services of Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini on a six-month deal.
Amini joins the Sky Blues from Cypriot first division side Apollon Limassol.
The 28-year-old helps fill the void at Sydney left by Luke Brattan, who will miss the remainder of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Amini, who had two other Australian clubs chasing his signature, said he was happy to land at Sydney FC.
“It has been nine years since I last played in the A-League and I can’t wait to experience it again,” said Amini, who notched 41 appearances for Central Coast over two seasons.
“The league is so competitive now and it is going to be a fantastic challenge for me at Sydney FC.
“I have won a title in the A-League before and I’m hungry to taste that again.
“I feel fit and am coming in towards the start of the season so excited to see what can be achieved.”
Amini has spent the past ten seasons in Europe after bursting onto the scene with the Mariners as a 17-year-old in 2010.
He signed with Borussia Dortmund a year later and was immediately loaned back to the Mariners.
Amini, who has represented the Socceroos eight times, later transferred to Denmark to play with Randers and AGF before moving to Cyprus.
“Mustafa is an exceptional talent and has vast experience with the Socceroos and playing in Australia and overseas,” Sydney coach Steve Corica said.
“He will fit in to our group perfectly, has an upbeat personality and is a real team player, so I’m delighted to have won the race to sign him.
“We’ll see what he is made of but if he produces his best form he will help move us up the table very quickly.”
Amini begins training with the squad this week but will only be eligible to play once the January transfer window comes into play and the deal is ratified by FIFA.
Sydney beat Wellington 2-1 last week for their first win of the season, and will be back in action on Sunday when they take on ladder leaders Macarthur FC.
© AAP
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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