Welcome to A-Leagues Life, where KEEPUP brings you all the latest news and goings on at your club. This is how the week is shaping up across the A-Leagues and beyond.
Nieuwenhof set to become latest Aussie Jam Tart
Calem Nieuwenhof is reportedly on the verge of signing for Scottish outfit Hearts.
According to The Scotsman, Nieuwenhof’s move from Western Sydney Wanderers to the Jambos is at an “advanced stage” with only formalities to be completed.
The same report states the talented midfielder turned down a new contract from the Wanderers which included a “substantial wage rise”, instead opting to take his talents to Tyneside.
A host of European clubs were also said to be interested in his services.
Should the deal be completed, Nieuwenhof will be the fourth Aussie on Hearts’ books this upcoming season, joining Socceroos trio Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and Cameron Devlin. Garang Kuol spent the second-half of last season on loan from Newcastle last season too.
Nieuwenhof enjoyed a breakout season last year at the Wanderers, becoming one of the league’s top performing central midfielders after making the switch from arch-rivals Sydney FC.
He had already been linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic before the end of last season.
Tilio’s Celtic debut on hold
Marco Tilio will miss the start of the Scottish Premier League season, after he sustained an injury on international duty with the Olyroos.
The former Melbourne City forward became the Hoops’ second signing of the off-season, when he joined for a record outbound A-Leagues transfer, which is understood to be in excess of $2 million (AUD).
However, he will have to wait until August to make his club debut as he continues to deal with an injury he suffered while playing at the Maurice Revello Tournament in June.
“Marco had an issue when we signed him, we knew of it,” Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers said.
“He’ll miss the start of the season as he got injured with Australia. He’s an exciting winger. He fits the profile and he’ll do very well.”
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Former Roar attacker the latest to land in India
Ex-Brisbane Roar forward Joe Knowles has signed for Indian Super League side Hyderabad FC, becoming the latest Aussie to make the move to the subcontinent.
Knowles arrives in India ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 season, after being released by Brisbane in May. He is the fourth player to go straight from the A-Leagues and join an Indian Super League side this off-season, following Paulo Retre (Goa), Jaushua Sotirio (Kerala Blasters) and Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan).
“It is a great honour to sign for this club,” Knowles said. “Hyderabad FC have done unbelievably well in the four years as a club and I look forward to being a part of the history here, going forward.
“I am really looking forward to playing in front of all the Hyderabad fans and they can expect a fast direct attacking player that will do anything for his team to be successful.”
The 27-year-old attacker burst onto the scene at the start of last season, after an incredible campaign for NPL Victoria outfit Oakleigh Cannons. His exploits at Jack Edwards Reserve earned him a trial at Brisbane, where he scored against Leeds United in a pre-season friendly and subsequently was signed on a one-year deal.
Knowles went on to make 21 appearances, scoring once and getting three assists to his name before he was released at the end of the season.
Aussies in action as pre-season gets underway in Europe
The beginning of the 2023/24 campaign is drawing nearer and a host of Aussies got their first pre-season hit outs over the weekend.
Nectar Triantis played the entire second-half in Sunderland’s 3-1 victory over San Antonio on Sunday (AEST) – making his unofficial club debut following his move from Central Coast Mariners.
Sammy Silvera was handed a start in Middlesbrough’s 0-0 draw with York City, while Tom Glover was an unused substitute.
Former Adelaide United duo Mohamed Toure and Yaya Dukuly played a half-each in Stade de Reims’ 3-2 loss to Eupen, with the former hitting the score-sheet.
Meanwhile, Socceroos midfielder Aiden O’Neill and Cristian Volpato also started for their respective new sides. O’Neill’s Standard Liege defeated Fortuna Sittard 1-0, while Volpato and his Sassuolo teammates put Real Vicenza to the sword 22-0.
In Belgium, Keegan Jelacic played the final 15 minutes for Gent in a 2-1 win over FC Volendam.
