Two of Adelaide United FC’s new off season signings have arrived in Adelaide to begin their tenures at the Reds.
Two of Adelaide United FC-s new off season signings have arrived in Adelaide to begin their tenures at the Reds.
Having both signed two year deals, right back Tarek Elrich and Spanish midfielder Isaias Sanchez touched down in Adelaide last night and met their new team mates for the first time at training this morning.
Still only 26 years of age, Elrich is a veteran of 145 Hyundai A-League appearances, 134 of which came for the Newcastle Jets, before he spent last season helping Western Sydney Wanderers claim the Premiers Plate in their first season.
Elrich revealed a move to Adelaide had been high on his radar for some time and he is excited by the prospect of where the club is heading under new coach Josep Gombau.
“It has been on the cards for a while,” Elrich said on his desire to make the move to South Australia.
“Signing for Adelaide United is something I-ve wanted to do for a long time, and every time I have come here as a player I-ve enjoyed myself.”
“It-s a great club, it has got a rich history…it-s great to be here and I-m really looking forward to it.”
“I said no to other clubs before I had anything in cement here, so my heart was to come here, I-m here now and I-m loving it.”
Sanchez is one of the Reds- two new Spanish acquisitions and joins the club after catching the eye of Gombau and Football Director Michael Petrillo in Spain.
While the midfielder, who has played professionally with three Spanish clubs, has never worked directly under Gombau, he believes he will fit right into how the United boss wants to play.
Using Reds Assistant Coach Pau Marti as a translator, Sanchez said he already has a strong understanding of the game style Gombau wants to implement on the pitch.
“All around Spain it is something normal that all of the teams are doing something similar, so it is something I already know because we did it in Spain from a young age,” Sanchez said.
“It-s good for my style of play and I think I can help my team mates to improve and learn that style.”
Sanchez and Elrich will officially begin training tomorrow and the club is confident they will quickly get up to speed with the rest of the squad.
The last of the Reds- off season signings, Spanish winger Sergio Cirio, is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.