Adelaide United FC’s assault towards the Hyundai A-League finals has been further strenghtened by the news that one of the club’s signings for next season, Osama Malik, will join earlier than expected.
Malik, who has spent the current and previous seasons with the North Queensland Fury, was only scheduled to begin his tenure with the Reds at the completion of the current Hyundai A-League campaign after signing with the club back in December.
However, with defender Iain Fyfe heading to South Korean club Busan I’Park at the end of the month, Adelaide United approached the Fury about Malik getting an early release. The Townsville-based club agreed, leaving the Reds able to utilise Malik’s services for the rest of this season.
“It’s fantastic that Osama can join us now and be part of our squad,” Head Coach Rini Coolen said.
“We want to sincerely thank North Queensland Fury for allowing Osama to come here early, without their cooperation this could not have happened.”
The 20-year-old midfielder will come to Adelaide on the back of 15 starts in 17 appearances for the Fury this season. Malik is expected to train with the Reds for the first time today.
Adelaide United’s next match is against North Queensland at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night – however, Coolen declared Malik would not be considered for selection until the game against the Central Coast Mariners on January 29.
Malik’s availability provides Coolen with another welcome option at the back, particularly with the gap left by Fyfe’s departure for South Korea at the end of January and with Daniel Mullen sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. The club is also exploring the possibility of signing another defender in the near future to add further depth to the squad.
More News
