Perth Glory captain Brandon O’Neill will not see out his contract after he was granted an early release after just one season.
Citing “family reasons and the belief he is unable to perform to the best of his abilities while living in Perth”, Glory have agreed to terminate O’Neill’s three-year contract with immediate effect.
Glory revealed O’Neill first requested to leave in February amid a challenging season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Perth to play outside of Western Australia for almost the entire campaign.
Perth responded in the hours following O’Neills departure by signing a like-for-like replacement in central midfield: fringe Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini, who joins the club on a three-year deal.
O’Neill says the club will always hold a special place in his heart, and thanked the club for understanding his situation.
“It is unfortunate how things have worked out since I came back to the club last year,” O’Neill said after just one season at the Isuzu UTE A-League club. “But Perth Glory will always retain a special place in my heart.
“I believe Glory is in great hands going forward following the recent changes in the football department and my decision was made before any of this materialised, based on my feeling of not being able to perform in Perth.
“I would like to thank the club for understanding my situation and decision and also express my gratitude to the Glory supporters who have always been fantastic with me and my family.
“I wish the club well for the future.”
A two-time A-League Men champion with Sydney FC, O’Neill had returned to Perth, where he made his debut in 2011.
The 28-year-old made 10 ALM appearances, scoring once as Glory finished bottom of the table.
O’Neill and Perth hadn’t played on home soil prior to their March return since November, and it had a significant toll on the club.
“Brandon was made captain of the club and for him to now ask for a release one year into a three-year deal is naturally very disappointing,” said Glory CEO Tony Pignata.
“However, if a player no longer wishes to play for Perth Glory, there is no point in forcing them to stay.
“We wish Brandon all the best for the future.”
