Perth Glory have acquired Adam Bugarija and Abdelelah Faisal from two rival Isuzu UTE A-League clubs ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Faisal has arrived in the West from Bulls FC Academy – Macarthur FC’s NSW State League side – on a one-year deal, while Bugarija has joined Glory from Western Sydney Wanderers on a three-year contract.
Bugarija, a product of Sydney United, spent two years with Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb before he joined the Wanderers in 2023. The 19-year-old has scored eight goals in the NPL NSW this season, and struck up a formidable partnership with Wanderers teammate Nathanael Blair; both players have joined Glory in the last week.
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Bugarija says the faith instilled in him by Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis helped secure his move to Perth.
“When I spoke to Stan (Lazaridis) about my future at Perth Glory, it made my decision easy,” he said.
“I was impressed with the belief he has in me and the vision the club has over the next few years.
“I can’t wait to start with the team and work hard to earn my spot in the squad.
“I’m looking forward to performing well with any opportunity I get given and helping the team as much as possible.”
Lazaridis praised Bugarija as “an out and out number ten who I think is really special.
“He’s got great vision, can score long-range bombs and is technically very, very good,” Lazaridis added. “He’s one for the future and I’m pretty sure he’ll get game time next season.”
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Faisal, meanwhile, joins the club after a stint at Bulls FC Academy. The 18-year-old scored back-to-back hat-tricks in FNSW League One earlier this year and has an X-factor Lazaridis is keen to develop at Glory.
“In terms of his style, I would liken Abdelelah to Mo Salah from Liverpool,” Lazaridis said.
“He’s so tricky, can play on the left, up front or as a number ten and has huge potential.
“When we unleash him next season, I’m confident he’ll make a big impact.”
Faisal said he was grateful to the club for providing him the opportunity to sign a one-year deal in the West.
“When I was first approached by Glory, I immediately knew that this club was heading in a great direction and would be the best place for me to start my senior career and show what I can do on the field.
“I believe I can bring something new to the table and help the team.
“I’m very excited to learn from the talented players I will be around and improve my game day by day.”
