Adelaide's highly rated trio sign first A-League deals

Adelaide United have handed professional contracts to talented trio Amlani Tatu, Feyzo Kasumovic and Malual Nichola.

All three teenagers have signed three-year deals with the Reds until the end of the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign – further highlighting Adelaide’s production line.

Forward Tatu, centre-back Kasumovic and defender Nichola – who are Australia Under-17 internationals – all spent time training with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven previously as part of a new partnership.

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“Feyzo, Malual, and Amlani have all worked extremely hard on and off the field and have shown tremendous potential,” said head of football Marius Zanin.

“We are absolutely thrilled to work with the boys in the coming years to nurture their development and give them every chance to take their careers to the highest level.

“As a club, we are grateful for the coaches and clubs that have contributed to the boys’ careers so far.

“We would also like to thank the Australian Islamic College of Adelaide and Underdale High School for allowing the trio to flourish and balance their education during their development years.”

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Tatu has been tipped to make his A-Leagues bow this season, having burst onto the scene in NPLM SA in 2024.

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The 16-year-old played a key role in the Subway Joeys winning last month’s ASEAN Under-16 Boys’ Championships, while he was also named the Under-16 Player of the Tournament at the recent National Youth Championships.

Kasumovic and Nichola also participated at the National Youth Championships in Wollongong.

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“We are very pleased that all three have signed their contracts with us! During their internship at PSV Eindhoven, when I was still working there, they left a very good impression,” said technical director Ernest Faber.

“They are talented players with a lot of potential who invest significantly in their own development. They are grateful to those who have helped them and have the right attitude.

“I wish them many successful years.”

News of the trio’s contracts comes after the recruitment of Archie Goodwin (Newcastle Jets), Dylan Pierias (Western Sydney Wanderers), Bart Vriends and Julian Kwaaitaal (immediately loaned to FC Eindhoven).

Carl Veart’s Adelaide have also re-signed Ethan Cox , Isaías, Javi López and Austin Ayoubi.

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“This is such a surreal moment for me and my family, and while I have worked incredibly hard to get to this moment, I didn’t think it would happen this early,” said Tatu.

“It’s every kid’s dream in Adelaide to play for their home club, and I am so proud.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible coaches who have helped me get to where I am today, including the coaches at Croydon FC, Paul Vanis and Richie Alagich at Football South Australia, and Airton Andrioli at Adelaide United — I am incredibly grateful for their mentorship.”

Kasumovic added: “First of all, I would like to thank all of my coaches throughout my football career, as each of them has helped develop me into the player I am today.

“I have been working extremely hard on and off the pitch, and the hard work doesn’t stop here.

“This opportunity is a step in my life that I will forever be grateful for, and it means that I must keep working even harder to achieve greater things in the future.”

Nichola said: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play for Adelaide United.

“This is a proud moment for me and my family, and I am eagerly looking forward to this new chapter with my hometown club.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the coaches and volunteers at Para Hills Knights and the Football South Australia NTC program for their constant support, and guidance throughout my journey.”