Sydney FC have won the race to sign in-demand Joeys forward Nathan Amanatidis on a three-year contract from Adelaide United.
After making a name for himself at the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup last month, Amanatidis swaps Adelaide for Sydney – who fended off interest from “eight other Isuzu UTE A-League clubs” to land the 17-year-old.
He scored two goals and supplied an assist as the Joeys reached the Asian Cup quarter-finals, having impressed with Adelaide United’s NPLM SA side in South Australia, where he had scored six goals in 2023 up until joining the Sky Blues.
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“Sydney FC is the perfect club for me to begin my A-League career and I’m feeling incredibly happy to be here,” he said.
“There are some extremely talented players, and I cannot wait to play with and learn from the likes of Joe Lolley and Robert Mak.
“I can already feel a good energy and vibe among this squad and the competition for places is going to be fierce.
“I am excited for the season to start.”
During Australia’s U17 Asian Cup campaign, Amanatidis sat down with KEEPUP and spoke about wanting to emulating five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I want to be the guy that everyone can look forward to seeing play,” he told KEEPUP, referring to his idol having used Ronaldo’s iconic celebration at the Asian Cup.
“You see the things he’s done and to me, it’s exactly how I want to be. Hard working, just the way he plays and carries himself. It’s exactly how I want to be.”
After falling in the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League Semi Finals, Sydney have signed Joel King permanently following his loan stint from OB, while exciting quartet Matthew Scarcella, Gus Hoefsloot, Mitch Glasson and Zac De Jesus have also penned contracts.
It comes on the back of the departures of Thomas Heward-Belle (Western United), Alex Wilkinson (retired), Adam Le Fondre (Hibernian), Zane Schreiber (Melbourne City), Paulo Retre (FC Goa), James Donachie (Western United), Alex Parsons (Brisbane Roar), and Diego Caballo (Aab Aalborg).
“Nathan is an exceptionally exciting player who is going to thrill our Members with his speed, skill and goalscoring ability,” said Corica.
“There were a lot of clubs wanting to sign him, so I am delighted we have and I am looking forward to what he can bring to the club.
“We still have a few spots on the roster to fill and the aim will be to bring in more experience, but the balance is looking good right now.”
