We’re more than three months out from the start of the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season – but many clubs around the competition have already put considerable work into reshaping their squads for the new campaign.
The action-packed off-season has produced a number of eye-catching moves so far, so get up to date with all the key transfers of Australian players.
READ: All the ins and outs at every ALM club this off-season
MORE: The seven overseas signings you need to know
Kusini Yengi (Adelaide United -> Western Sydney Wanderers)
After travelling to Uzbekistan as part of the Australia Under-23 squad which finished fourth at the AFC U23 Asian Cup earlier this month, Kusini Yengi returns to Australia to link up with new club Western Sydney Wanderers after three seasons, 27 games and six goals amassed at Adelaide United.
The 23-year-old was tabled an offer by the Reds to remain in South Australia, but the imposing striker elected to make “a fresh start” under Western Sydney boss Mark Rudan in Wanderland.
“The club’s plan for next season, their amazing facilities, and head coach Rudan’s) hunger for success were all things that enticed me to join the club,” Yengi said upon signing a two-year deal with Western Sydney.
“I’m coming to the Wanderers to not only continue my development as a player but mainly to be successful.
“The Wanderers are one of the biggest clubs in the A-Leagues with a very strong and rich history. I’m looking forward to helping this amazing club get back to where it should be – winning titles and playing in Asia.”
Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners -> Western Sydney Wanderers)
Seven-time Socceroo Oliver Bozanic enjoyed one-and-a-half seasons at hometown club Central Coast Mariners after his return from Europe – however the back end of the 2021-22 campaign saw the club captain drop out of head coach Nick Montgomery’s plans.
It was a development which perplexed the club’s fans and those watching on from the outside and, at the conclusion of the season, the 33-year-old ultimately bid farewell to the club in favour of a move to the Wanderers.
After securing the services of the experienced midfielder, who has enjoyed stints in England, Scotland, Japan and Switzerland throughout his career, head coach Rudan expressed his excitement to have the “natural leader and fantastic role model” on board.
“Oli is a true professional and we are delighted that he has made the move to Western Sydney for the first time in his senior career,” Rudan said.
“Oli brings more than just experience to our squad this season. He has a winning mentality, and his values and ambitions align directly with what we are trying to achieve at the club.
“He is a natural leader and is a fantastic role model for the next generation of Wanderers.”
Tomi Juric (Macarthur FC -> Melbourne Victory)
Melbourne Victory head coach Tony Popovic has reunited with Australian forward Tomi Juric after the pair combined to win the 2014 AFC Champions League at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Now, the 41-time Socceroo heads to Melbourne to work under Popovic once more, arriving from Macarthur FC where he made just eight appearances last season.
The 30-year-old former Roda JC, Luzern and CSKA Sofia striker says he can envisage himself returning to the peak of his powers under Popovic’s guidance at Victory.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the club and can’t wait to get started,” Juric said.
“Linking up again with Tony Popovic is an exciting prospect for me and with how he helped me earlier in my career, I’m looking forward to again learning from the Boss and getting back to my best for Victory faithful.
“Melbourne Victory is an ambitious club and I want to be a part of helping the club achieve success off the back of a great season for Victory last year. I want to push myself every day and contribute to winning silverware next season.”
Stefan Colakovski (Melbourne City -> Perth Glory)
It was an emotional Melbourne City farewell for Stefan Colakovski, the former Melbourne Heart member who grew through the club’s academy to debut for the rebranded City, and go on to win two Premierships and one Championship with his boyhood club.
But, starved for opportunity in an attacking unit featuring Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout, Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio, Colakovski has elected to depart the club in search of fresh opportunities, signing for Perth Glory on a two-year deal.
“The moment I knew there was interest, I knew it was the right move for me,” Colakovski said as he signed his Glory contract.
“Glory have a rich history and are one of the most well-respected clubs in Australia.
“I can’t wait to put on the purple kit on and play in front of all the members and fans.”
Brandon O’Neill (Perth Glory -> Newcastle Jets)
It was the move which raised eyebrows around the league as Brandon O’Neill departed hometown club Perth Glory one season into a three-year deal to join Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets.
O’Neill, 28, cited family reasons for departing the club. Glory CEO Tony Pignata labelled the decision “naturally disappointing.”
“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,” Pignata said.
“However, if a player no longer wishes to play for Perth Glory, there is no point in forcing them to stay.”
O’Neill was released by Perth on June 10. The following day, Newcastle announced his arrival on a two-season deal.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Jets. I believe the club are building something special here and have a lot of ambition which is something I can’t wait to be a part of,” O’Neill told the club website.
“I know Newcastle fans are very passionate and this is something I’m really excited for.
“After speaking with (Jets head coach) Arthur Papas and hearing about his vision for the club, I can’t wait to start working under him and giving my all for this football club and its supporters.”
Reno Piscopo (Wellington Phoenix -> Newcastle Jets)
Reno Piscopo has been tipped to challenge for a spot in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup by new head coach Arthur Papas, after signing for the Jets on a two-year deal.
Piscopo, a former star of the Olyroos, has spent the past three ALM seasons at Wellington Phoenix, making 61 appearances and scoring eight goals.
The 24-year-old recently played a starring role for the A-Leagues All Stars against FC Barcelona, registering a goal and an assist in an eye-catching performance in late May.
“We are excited to welcome Reno Piscopo to the Newcastle Jets,” Papas said as Piscopo committed to Newcastle. “In Reno, we have signed one of Australia’s most creative and talented players.
“It’s a key position player that will add a lot of quality to our attacking game with his ability to draw players in, go past players and play the final pass.
“We held talks with Reno and his family over a long period of time and know we are getting a player who is full of ambition, drive and is coming to Newcastle to make a difference.
“Without doubt a future Socceroo who is good enough to be on the plane to Qatar with our national team.”
Mustafa Amini (Sydney FC -> Perth Glory)
Former Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini has departed Sydney FC in favour of a three-year deal in Perth, with Glory head coach Ruben Zadkovich predicting the 29-year-old can play a “pivotal” role in the club’s rebuild.
Perth finished bottom of the ALM table in 2021-22; Amini arrives as one of the more experienced signings in an off-season in which the club has otherwise targeted young talent from rival clubs.
Amini, who made his ALM debut with Central Coast Mariners at 17 years of age, spent the next decade abroad, first at German giants Borussia Dortmund before stints at clubs in Denmark and Cyprus.
“To have the quality of such a high-calibre player, but more importantly, a top character in the dressing room, will be huge for the club,” Zadkovich said.
“He will be a pivotal part of our rebuild and I’m very excited that he’s on board.”
Steven Ugarkovic (Western Sydney Wanderers -> Wellington Phoenix)
With club captain Alex Rufer set to miss the start of the 2022-23 ALM campaign through injury, Wellington have signed accomplished midfielder Steven Ugarkovic from Western Sydney to plug the gap.
Ugarkovic, 27, departed the Wanderers having featured in all 26 league fixtures in 2021-22. He arrives at the ‘Nix having scored against every single ALM side except Wellington throughout his career.
Ugarkovic says working with head coach Ufuk Talay was the greatest drawcard of joining the Phoenix.
“I feel like I can learn under a lot from, on and off the field,” Ugarkovic said of Talay.
“His brand of football played an important role in my decision. Playing against Wellington, it’s always hard to break them down. They’re very structured and everyone knows what their job is.
“That’s what I like and that’s what I think I need to go to the next level.”
