Hyundai A-League January transfer wrap

An extraordinary January transfer window for the Hyundai A-League closed overnight, with player movements at an all-time high. See how your club fared.

An extraordinary January transfer window for the Hyundai A-League closed overnight, with player movements at an all-time high. See how your club fared in the player market.

Adelaide United
Ins: Ryan Griffiths (Beijing Baxy, China League One), Michael Marrone (Shanghai Shenxin, Chinese Super League)
Outs: Antony Golec (Western Sydney Wanderers) , Steven Lustica (Brisbane Roar)
Re-signed: Awer Mabil

Adelaide had a positive transfer period despite the departure of midfielder Steven Lustica. The midfielder had become a fulcrum in the Reds- line-up but opted to return to Brisbane Roar, where he spent the second half of last season. Other than that the Reds would be pleased with their window, signing sharp-shooter Ryan Griffiths and Adelaide born defender Michael Marrone, as well as inking exciting youngster Awer Mabil to a new contract.
Transfer window rating: 7.5/10

Brisbane Roar
Ins: Steven Lustica (Adelaide United), Jean Carlos Solorzano (Puntarenas, Costa Rican Primera Division)
Outs: Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory for the 2014/15 season)
Re-signed: Dimi Petratos, Shane Stefanutto

Brisbane has added further to their squad depth as they continue their title charge with the acquisitions of two former squad members, Steven Lustica and Jean Carlos Solorzano. However, they have lost the services of star striker Besart Berisha, who will move to Melbourne Victory for the start of Season 10. Emerging striker Dimi Petratos has been re-signed and will have large boots to fill in the Albanian-s absence.
Transfer window rating: 7/10

Central Coast Mariners
Ins: Eddy Bosnar (Guangzhou R&F, Chinese Super League), Isaka Cernak (Perth Glory), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai SIPG, Chinese Super League), Kim Seung-yong (Ulsan Hyundai, K-League Classic), Matthew Sim (Sutherland Sharks), Glen Trifero (Sydney United)
Outs: Daniel McBreen (Shanghai SIPG, Chinese Super League), Michael McGlinchey (Vegalta Sendai, J.League) Trent Sainsbury (PEC Zwolle, Eredivisie), Mile Sterjovski (retiring).
Re-signed: none

No club has had as turbulent transfer period as the Mariners, with Central Coast Stadium indicative of a revolving door. Due to their success the Mariners have become an export production line in recent years, and this window has proved to be no different. Key defender Trent Sainsbury moved to Holland to further his career, whilst veteran striker Daniel McBreen left the club to pursue a lucrative offer in China. Coupled with the loss of Michael McGlinchey to Japan and Marcos Flores going down with a serious knee injury, the Mariners will face a fight to retain their title at the season-s end. The incoming players signed on deadline day have all been hand picked, with coach Phil Moss hopeful the highly talented trio of Cernak, Trifero and Sim will provide an instant impact.
Transfer window rating: 6/10

Melbourne Heart
Ins: None
Outs: Golgol Mebrahtu (Western Sydney Wanderers), Dylan Macallister (Eastern Salon, Hong Kong First Division)
Re-signed: None

The player ‘ins- column may be vacant, but the club as a whole has been a big winner in this period after their acquisition by English Premier League giants Manchester City. The new ownership will significantly improve the club-s marketability and will become a team players want to come to. The return from injury of captain Harry Kewell and star Dutch midfielder Orlando Engelaar are like new additions, while the release of Golgol Mebrahtu and Dylan Macallister won-t have any major significance as both have only been on the fringes this season.
Transfer window rating 6/10

Melbourne Victory
Ins: Besart Berisha (from Brisbane Roar next season), Tom Rogic (Celtic, Scotland)
Outs: Mitch Nichols (Cerezo Osaka, J.League)
Re-signed: None

Melbourne Victory has arguably landed the biggest signing of the transfer period with Tom Rogic joining the club for the rest of the season on loan from Celtic. Rogic will play in a similar position to the departed Mitch Nichols and his presence has been a boost during a rough run of results. Although not taking affect until next season, the announcement of new marquee Besart Berisha will have an impact now, as the club-s current strikers look to consolidate a starting berth. Keeping Mark Milligan despite a host of interest from overseas suitors is another positive.
Transfer window rating 8.5/10

Newcastle Jets
Ins: David Carney (New York Red Bulls, MLS), Joel Griffiths (Qingdao Jonoon, Chinese Super League)
Outs: None
Re-signed: None

The Jets have opted to add two experienced faces to their relatively young squad as they look to push for a finals berth. Former Jet and crowd favourite Joel Griffiths will provide firepower up front, while former Socceroo David Carney excelled in the Hyundai A-League during his spell with Sydney FC and returns from overseas with a wealth of experience. The two will be relied on heavily by interim manager Clayton Zane as the Jets attempt to propel themselves back into finals contention.
Transfer window rating: 6.5/10

Perth Glory
Ins: Rostyn Griffiths (Guangzhou R&F, Chinese Super League), Nebojsa Marinkovic (Hapoel Haifa, Israeli Premier League), Darvydas Sernas (Gaziantepspor, Super Lig)
Outs: Isaka Cernak (Central Coast), Ryo Nagai (Cerezo Osaka, J.League)
Re-signed: None

Perth announced their transfer intentions early, securing all three new signings within a week. The trio will be tasked with improving the club-s attacking presence that has been hindered by an injury disrupted opening 17 rounds for striker Shane Smeltz. The loss of Ryo Nagai will hurt as he had found his niche this year down the flanks. Coach Kenny Lowe will be hoping Nebojsa Marinkovic and Rostyn Griffiths can provide the same impact that Darvydas Sernas already made in his first 45 minutes on the pitch in Glory colours.
Transfer window rating: 8/10

Sydney FC
Ins: Milos Dimitrijevic (Crvena Zvezda, Serbian SuperLiga), Sasa Ognenovski (Umm Salal, Qatar Stars League)
Outs: Tiago Calvano (Minnesota United, North American Soccer League), Brett Emerton (retired), Yairo Yau (Sporting San Miguelito, Liga Panamena de Futbol)
Re-Signed: Ali Abbas, Vedran Janjetovic, Nikola Petkovic, Matt Thompson

As always, the Sky Blues have played a major role in this transfer window. The club has compensated for Brett Emerton-s retirement, with Milos Dimitrijevic showing some class during his short time at the club. The addition of Socceroos defender Sasa Ognenovski will provide steel next to Nikola Petkovic in the backline, with Vedran Janjetovic-s signature also welcome news.
Transfer window rating: 8/10

Wellington Phoenix
Ins: Roy Krishna (Auckland City, ASB Premiership), Hamish Watson, Milos Lujic (Northcote City – 2 weeks)
Outs: None
Re-signed: Carlos Hernandez, Lewis Italiano

One of the quietest clubs dabbling in the transfer market, the major business of note across the ditch was the re-signing of Carlos Hernandez, who has flourished under former mentor Ernie Merrick. The club have also Fijian striker Roy Krishna and handed Hamish Watson his first professional contract. The way the Phoenix have been playing over the past month, Merrick and his coaching staff have every reason to have faith in the current roster as the Phoenix continue to rise up the ladder.
Transfer window rating: 7/10

Western Sydney Wanderers
Ins: Golgol Mebrahtu (Melbourne Heart), Daniel Mullen (Dalian Aerbin, Chinese Super League), Antony Golec (Adelaide United)
Outs: Shinji Ono (at the end of the AFC Champions League campaign)
Re-signed: None

The Wanderers have bolstered their ranks for the AFC Champions League campaign bringing Daniel Mullen, Golgol Mebrahtu and Antony Golec in for the Asian club competition. Although none of the trio are eligible to play in the current A-League campaign due to Wanderers already having the maximum number of contracted players on their roster. Coach Tony Popovic appears content to continue rotating through his squad, although he did field an identical XI in rounds 16 and 17. The club will need to replace Japanese maestro Shinji Ono who will depart at the completion of the Asian Champions League campaign, especially if Socceroo hopefull Aaron Mooy confirms his rumoured exit from the club.
Transfer window rating: 6.5/10

Chat with representatives from your local club and meet Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League stars at Play Football Day this Saturday & Sunday at Westfield centres.

Westfield Kotara
Saturday 8 February, 11am-2pm

Westfield Woden
Saturday 8 February, 11am-2pm

Westfield Penrith
Sunday 9 February, 11am-2pm

Westfield Chatswood
Sunday 9 February, 11am-2pm

Westfield Tuggerah
Sunday 9 February, 11am-2pm