Western United snare star striker

Adelaide United’s loss is Western United’s gain, with star Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki joining the 2022 A-League champions on a two-year deal.

Despite scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances for the Reds in the recently completed 2023-24 campaign, Ibusuki’s request for a longer-term deal with Adelaide wasn’t forthcoming, with the 32-year-old marksman and the club unable to agree to terms for a new contract.

Ibusuki was happy accept an opportunity with Western United, whose coach John Aloisi was thrilled to snare the highly prized attacker.

“I am ecstatic to welcome Hiroshi to our club and can’t wait to see him fitting in with the team in pre-season training,” Aloisi said.

“His quality is going to be a huge addition to our group. His class in the box, whether the ball is in the air or on the floor, will add a new dimension to our play in the final third.

“We are eager to see his impact on the group, and I’m sure our fans will be itching to see him in action in Tarneit next season.”

Ibusuki said he was “honoured” to join his new club.

“I feel we have a great team,” he said.

“I cannot wait to play at the new stadium in front of the Western United fans.”

In other player movements, former Adelaide defenders Ben Warland and Harry Van der Saag have joined Brisbane Roar, who also remain interested in bringing ex-Reds winger Ben Halloran home to Queensland.

Apart from Warland and Van der Saag, the Roar are also set to add to their defensive stocks by signing former United States under-20 international Marcus Ferkranus.

On the books of Major League Soccer Club Los Angeles Galaxy, Ferkranus – who holds an Australian passport – plays for Ventura County FC, the Galaxy’s reserves team – in the MLS Next Pro competition.

Meanwhile, Roar winger Nikola Mileusnic won’t be rejoining Adelaide, with the Reds confirming they aren’t interested in bringing the 30-year-old South Australian back to the club he most recently played for in 2020.