Adelaide United has signed Brisbane Roar’s Sergio van Dijk to play in its Asian Champions League campaign starting later this month.
Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar, who made the announcement at the Adelaide airport on Thursday, hopes the 27-year-old will ‘bolster and strengthen’ the squad.
“He’s got a fair bit of experience, he’s scored over 20 goals in the last two years while he’s been in the A-League so he certainly knows where the goals are,” Vidmar said.
“We are looking forward to his inclusion and looking forward to Sergio getting amongst the boys and doing his best for us in the Asian Champions League.”
Captain Travis Dodd was also optimistic the Dutchman would help United end its scoring woes which has seen it record just 22 goals in 26 games this season.
“He’s got a great track record and he’s had another great season in the A-League so a great addition to the squad for the Champions League. Hopefully he can bring his form from the A-League into our campaign,” Dodd said.
Adelaide can take a maximum of three imports into its ACL meaning van Dijk will more than likely replace Lloyd Owusu in the squad.
Van Dijk joins Adam Griffiths and Marcos Flores as players brought in to strengthen the squad.
Meanwhile Vidmar said he was not fazed by the AFC’s decision to rule him ineligible to be the Reds’ head coach in Asia.
Adelaide and FFA received letters from the AFC this week stating that under its regulations, Vidmar would not be able to fulfil his duties as he does not possess an AFC ‘A’ Licence.
He’s been trying to achieve this licence, but his club coaching commitments had meant he’s failed to complete the course.
Vidmar said the ruling wouldn’t affect his input on match day.
“Our understanding so far is that nothing changes. I can still point, yell, do what I have to do in the coaching box and Joe (Mullen) will be giving us a little bit of a different input as well so nothing really changes, it’s just the title,” Vidmar said.
“Joe has got to do all the official work …which is all the press conferences and what not so I won’t lose any sleep.”
