Adelaide United captain Stefan Mauk revealed he is poised to leave the Isuzu UTE A-League for a Japanese club.
Ben Halloran has already departed Adelaide for K-League outfit FC Seoul in South Korea and now former Reds team-mate Mauk is set to follow his countryman to Asia.
Mauk, who arrived in Adelaide from Brisbane Roar in 2020, has previous experience abroad with Eredivisie club NEC in the Netherlands, where he made a couple of appearances between 2016 and 2018.
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The 26-year-old star, though, is ready to test himself again overseas after confirming talks over a transfer away from Coopers Stadium.
Mauk told the Official A-Leagues Podcast: “I guess at the moment I’m an Adelaide player. I’m giving my all to the club.
“This weekend I’m preparing for the Melbourne City game but there are obviously some talks that are going on for a couple of months with a Japanese team.
“Hopefully that gets over the line with a few last-minute issues. Whatever happens, will happen. As a footballer you always have things going on in the background.
“This has been the happiest I’ve been in my career, so it’s a really tough decision and it’s something that wasn’t made in a matter of days, it’s been a long-time coming. It’s a great club and I’m grateful for what they’ve given me.”
Mauk, who has scored one goal in seven league appearances this season, continued: “Japan is probably the best country in Asia to go to football wise.
“When the opportunity came up, they’re all technically good players and I think the way I play can suit and compliment the style over there.”
Mauk was also asked about Adelaide team-mate Josh Cavallo, who called out homophobic abuse in the wake of Saturday’s draw with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Cavallo is currently the only openly gay player in top-tier men’s football worldwide, with the APL condemning the “harmful behaviour” in Melbourne.
“It’s obviously heartbreaking for him and his family, friends and team-mates,” said Mauk. “You saw how powerful it was when he came out those months ago and everyone getting around and supporting him.
“Yet people feel the need to say these comments and make someone feel probably insecure or unhappy about themselves, when he should be proud and accepted for who he is as a footballer. Nothing else should matter.”
