Sydney FC have agreed a record-breaking deal that will see star midfielder Patrick Yazbek join Norwegian top-flight club Viking FK.
Yazbek will become the third Australian to make the move to Viking, alongside Nick D’Agostino and Gianni Stensness as the transfer fee breaks a club record for a graduate from Sydney’s academy.
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However, Sky Blues fans will still be able to see Yazbek in action, with the 20-year-old due to leave for Norway following Sydney’s Isuzu UTE A-League match against Brisbane Roar on February 18.
Yazbek, who joined Sydney’s Academy as a 14-year-old, has played 39 games across all competitions for the Sky Blues.
“Sydney FC is my first professional club and they’ve given me the opportunity to live my dream and go to Europe,” he said.
“I’m very thankful to Steve for giving me my chance, I’ve learned a lot here and my ambition is to continue to learn in Norway.
“As much as I am a Sydney FC player, I’m a Sydney supporter and I’m very grateful to all of our Members for their support.
“It’s a bitter-sweet feeling to be leaving and I’ll always cherish the moments I’ve had here.
“I’m appreciative of the club for allowing me to take this opportunity mid-season and hopefully I can repay everything Sydney FC has done for me.
“I look forward to my last couple of weeks in Sky Blue and watching the team go on to great things.”
Yazbek has been a mainstay in Sydney’s midfield, amassing 11 appearances in the A-League Men this season.
Sydney head coach Steve Corica added: “Patrick has performed very well over the past 13 months, he deserves his chance abroad and I’m sure he’ll continue to improve.
“He has learned quickly and is one of a number of fantastic young midfielders we have coming through our ranks.
“Jake Girdwood-Reich, Corey Hollman and a number of other Academy players now have the opportunity to step up and make a claim.”
