Adelaide United winger Yaya Dukuly has completed a permanent move to Slovenian PrvaLiga champions NK Celje for an undisclosed fee.
The transfer sees another Adelaide United academy graduate earn a move overseas, with Dukuly putting pen-to-paper on a multi-year contract for the Slovenian side, who will be competing in the 2026-27 edition of the UEFA Champions League.
Dukuly made his senior debut as a 17-year-old against Western United in 2020 and went on to make 69 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. The pacey forward also reached the milestone of 50 senior appearances during the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
After previously spending time with French club Stade de Reims before returning to Adelaide in 2024, Dukuly will now continue his career in Slovenia, where he will have the opportunity to compete in European football’s most prestigious cup competition.
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“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in helping put the club back in a position to compete in Asia, because I truly believe that’s where Adelaide United belongs,” Dukuly said when addressing the club’s supporters.
“I can’t thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and most importantly the Reds fans enough for their support.
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“They gave me the confidence to be myself every time I stepped onto the pitch, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
“This move is the next step in my career, and I’m thankful to Airton and everyone at Adelaide United for helping make it happen.
He continued: “To join a club competing in top-flight European football is an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to challenging myself in that environment.
“I have ambitions of one day representing the Socceroos, and I believe this move gives me the opportunity to keep developing and chasing that goal.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time at the Club and wish everyone nothing but success in the future.”
Adelaide United Football Director Mitch van Gellekom said Dukuly’s transfer highlighted the success of the club’s player development pathway.
“Yaya’s move is another great example of what we want Adelaide United to be known for,” van Gellekom said.
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“We believe in giving young players opportunities, investing in their individual development, and creating a pathway that prepares them for the next step in their careers.
“Yaya has earned this move. He’s developed every season, worked hard, and been a fantastic professional to work with every single day. Those are the players you love having around the Club.
“These are the moments we’re proud of. Seeing another Adelaide United player move to Europe, and to a club competing at the top level of European football, shows that our pathway works and hopefully inspires the next generation coming through our Academy.
“We’ll be following Yaya closely, and seeing him test himself in European football will put a smile on all of our faces.”
