Three of the Hyundai A-League’s brightest talents have received lucrative offers to head to Asia in the last few days. Bernie Ibini heading the list.
The annual mid-year raid on the Hyundai A-League by Asian clubs is gathering momentum with championship-winners Bernie Ibini and Oliver Bozanic and Socceroos utility Mark Milligan all receiving lucrative offers in the last few days.
At this stage Ibini – who earlier this year was in the sights of Belgian side Club Brugge – seems the most likely to depart, with Chinese Super League newcomers Shanghai SIPG tabling an offer which will triple the wages he receives at Central Coast Mariners. Coached by former China national boss Gao Hongbo, Shanghai’s third club is in the top flight for the first time, and is struggling to stave off an immediate relegation.
Ibini’s clubmate, Bozanic, is being courted by South Korean sides Busan I’Park and Pohang Steelers, while Melbourne Victory star Mark Milligan – who has previously had spells in China and Japan – is now being chased by UAE side Baniyas to replace Nick Carle, who is returning to Sydney FC.
Milligan has been offered a one-year deal with a two-year option, but it’s understood Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou remains reluctant to release a player who is only one year into a new three-year contract.
