Western United have wasted no time preparing for the next Isuzu UTE A-League season after signing former Adelaide United talisman Hiroshi Ibusuki on a two-year deal.
Ibusuki makes the move from Adelaide to Tarneit after three seasons with the Reds and his best-ever campaign at senior level following 15 goals in 26 appearances for the South Australian outfit.
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The 33-year-old Japanese star scooped three awards at Adelaide’s end-of-season awards, having taken home the Golden Boot, RAA Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
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“I’m really honored to join the Western United family. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best,” Ibusuki said.
“I am so excited. I cannot wait to play at new stadium in front of the Western United fans.
“I will do my best. I feel we have a great team. To get success, we just have to work hard and help each other. I hope we can be successful at the end of the season.”
Ibusuki joins the Japanese contingent at Western, which already includes Tomoki Imai and Riku Danzaki.
Ibusuki netted 28 A-Leagues goals during his time in Adelaide and 30 across all competitions following his arrival in 2021-22.
He also scored a brace in last month’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Western in Tarneit.
The former Sevilla and Valencia forward will now link up with Western young guns Noah Botic, Abel Walatee and Matt Grimaldi.
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“I am ecstatic to welcome Hiroshi to our Club and can’t wait to see him fitting in with the
team in pre-season training,” said Western head coach John Aloisi.
“His quality is going to be a huge addition to our group. His class in the box, whether the ball
is in the air or on the floor, will add a new dimension to our play in the final third.
“We are eager to see his impact on the group and I’m sure our fans will be itching to see him
in action in Tarneit next season.”
Western’s general manager of football Mal Impiombato added: “Hiroshi joins the Club as one of the A-League Men’s in-form talismans and will add presence and quality to complement our young, dynamic and energetic squad.”
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