James Troisi could be thrown a Hyundai A-League lifeline, with Adelaide United boss Gertjan Verbeek confirming the Reds are interested in signing the former Melbourne Victory playmaker.
Troisi is on the lookout for a new club after he wasn’t re-signed by Victory at the end of the 2018/19 Season.
And the South Australian-born attacker could end up at the Reds.
A report on The World Game website suggests Troisi has been talking with Reds football director Bruce Djite and owner Piet van der Pol about coming on board with the FFA Cup 2019 finalists.
“I don’t know exactly how far talks have progressed but we still need one player – and it has to be an Australian because our visa spots are now full with a Chinese player coming in soon,” said Verbeek.
“I have given my thoughts about the sort of player we want and it has to somebody who has creativity and can bring some experience and quality into the team.
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“That’s what we need in the midfield. I don’t know so much about him (Troisi) but Piet and Bruce know the market and they know more about the Australian players.
“It’s getting late because the season begins very soon and if it’s not happening then we have to let a youth player sign a contract.”
The addition of Troisi would not only add creativity to the Adelaide team but also some valuable experience.
Troisi, who scored the winning goal for the Caltex Socceroos in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, has played for clubs in England, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia.
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He also had two spells at Melbourne Victory, helping the club to the title in the 2017/18 Season.
“His name came up a few months back because he’s without a club. I know the name but I know him only from videos,” added Verbeek.
“It’s up to Bruce and Piet where this goes.”
It’s understood Troisi is currently in Adelaide training alone as he tries to find a new club, with also reported interest in Asia.
Meanwhile, Verbeek also confirmed the club would add a Chinese defender from Adelaide’s sister club Qingdao Red Lions before the start of the season.
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