Adelaide United and Melbourne City have announced deals to sign players from one another, after each was released by their respective clubs.
The Reds have acquired South Australian youngster Stefan Mauk while City have clinched the services of the versatile defender Osama Malik.
Both players will link up with their new clubs immediately and Malik will be available for selection for City’s clash with Wellington Phoenix on Monday night.
Twenty-year-old Olyroo Mauk has put together a breakout season at City, scoring four goals in 12 games. Reds boss Guillermo Amor says it was important to have signed the South Australian local.
“We are very happy to have Stefan joining us,” Amor said.
“He (Mauk) is another South Australia player and this is important to us.
“He is young, but very talented player with a big future in football. he will fit into our team and style well.
“We are confident that he can have a big impact on our team and look forward to him being part of our club.”
Meanwhile, City boss John van’t Schip stressed the importance for his side to add some defensive steel, which he says 25-year-old Malik will provide.
City have scored the most goals of any A-League side this season but their achilles heal has been fragility at the other end of the field.
“Our focus during this transfer period has been to further support our existing squad members and provide additional depth in key areas,” he said.
“We believe Osama will add valuable experience, compliment the squad and will be a welcome addition.”
Former North Queensland Fury midfielder Malik played 85 games for the Reds, scoring twice.
As well as Malik’s signing, City has added some extra attacking talent, bringing in former Central Coast Mariner Nick Fitzgerald who was released by the Gosford club only weeks ago. He is the latest Mariner to move to Bundoora after Anthony Caceres was loaned by Manchester City to Melbourne City after departing the Central Coast.
City have now signed four new players this window, while Mauk is the first new face to arrive at Adelaide in January.
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