Newcastle has signed striker Labinot Haliti to a new two-year deal that will see him stay with the Jets until the end of the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season.
Haliti, 23, is currently with Newcastle as an injury replacement for fellow striker Marko Jesic who is battling a knee injury.
This is Haliti’s second stint with Newcastle after he spent the last two years in Europe with clubs from Croatia (NK Slaven Belupo), Albania (KS Teuta Durres) and Poland (LKS Lodz).
The Kosovo-born striker had an instant impact for Newcastle this season when he scored a match-saving equaliser against Melbourne in his first game of the season to ensure a 1-1 draw with the Victory at Etihad Stadium in Round 5.
“Labinot has proved during his time at the club that he is a dedicated, talented, hard-working footballer with precisely the kind of professional approach that we admire in a player,” Newcastle CEO John Tsatsimas said.
“He exemplifies what we are looking to build with regards to our squad here at the Jets over the next few years.”
“Looking forward, Labinot’s re-signing is certainly a positive sign and shows our intention of retaining the players that we want to build around.”
Haliti will next be in action for the Jets on Monday night when they take on Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium in a crunch match for Newcastle as it tries to stay in touch with the top six.
