Following the acquisition of Riley McGree after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Club Brugge, Adelaide United Director of Football, Bruce Djite, provided an update on potential transfer targets.
McGree’s arrival becomes new Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek’s, first signing and 20th contracted player ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Djite indicated he and the Club have a shortlist of targets in mind to further bolster the squad.
With three foreign spots available, the 32-year-old stressed that they have plenty of time and will do their due diligence before completing any deals.
“We do have our eye on a few prospective targets,” Djite said.
“I don’t think we’ll get another Riley, they’re few and far between if I’m honest.
“But we’ve got three foreign spots still available and we’ll be looking to fill at least two of those if not all of those.
“Again when you’re looking at foreigners it’s still very early in the window if you’re looking to Europe – that window closes in August.
“There’s still a lot of time for things to happen, but we’re looking.”
Transfer fee McGree’d. ✅
Three year contract signed. ✅📰 Get reacquainted with @McgreeRiley: https://t.co/PUQzGZt4zV pic.twitter.com/2dq0urvfar
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 5, 2019
Djite added he was fortunate to be in a position where he does not have to rebuild the entire squad like other sides in the Hyundai A-League this offseason.
He lauded the fact that the bulk of the squad was already under contract for the upcoming campaign and that he, the coaching staff, and ownership group can afford to be extra scrupulous when it comes to assessing if a player is a suitable addition.
“… Historically, I would argue that this Club wouldn’t have paid a transfer fee,” he explained.
“We sold Riley. We bought him back. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it.
“I think I’m lucky to be at a Club where we don’t have to sign 10, or 12, or 13 players like some of the other A-League teams.
“I’m at a Club where we can nitpick and sign four or five of the best possible talent that we can afford.
“First cab off the rank, Riley McGree, and hopefully more to come, but we’re nitpicking and we’re being very strategic and scientific with what we’re doing.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
