January’s transfer window has taken on added importance for Perth Glory after Israeli striker Ben Azubel departed the A-League Men club in brisk fashion.
Just hours before Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix, Azubel posted a picture on Instagram of his wife sitting next to him on a plane.
Azubel quizzed his followers about where he should play next, with South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Israel the four options listed.
After the draw with Wellington, Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich confirmed the club had agreed to release Azubel, who failed to score a goal in his six appearances.
“That’s football, players come and players go,” Zadkovich said.
“Ben put his best foot forward at the club. I think culturally more than anything (it was a struggle). It’s a big move Israel to Australia. There’s a lot of changes there.
“An opportunity has come up for him. We wish him all the best. We were happy to see him go and chase his ambitions.”
Azubel came off the bench for short cameos in his final two games for Perth, and the writing was on the wall for him when the club signed Socceroos striker Adam Taggart.
Taggart will be available to play once the January transfer window opens, but Glory are looking to add even more talent.
Zadkovich isn’t keen on merely a short term “band aid” fix, but rather players who will be committed to the cause longer term.
“Look, the window is open. We’re very proactive,” Zadkovich said.
“I have been very clear in saying that it will take a couple of windows at this club (to rebuild it).”
The recruitment of Tunisian international Salim Khelifi has proven to be an astute get, while unheralded New Zealand attacker Keegan Jelacic has the makings of a future star.
Jelacic managed just two games off the bench at Brisbane last season, but the 20-year-old has blossomed at Glory, with his deft touch and dazzling moves already turning heads.
“We saw how he was performing at NPL level in Queensland,” Zadkovich said.
“You could see he’s got a huge amount of talent, and lacked a little bit of the ability to play within structure.
“Because his attitude is so good and because he applies himself day in, day out, he’s really going from one strength to the next.”
Glory’s draw against Wellington left them on the bottom of the ladder, but Perth were unlucky not to come away with the win after creating the better chances in the match.
Perth take on Adelaide in Adelaide on January 2, before enjoying a run of four consecutive home games.