With the new campaign looming closer, every A-League club will be looking to strengthen their squad by signing new players, with pre-season friendlies to commence soon.
In the second part to the series, Kick360 takes a look at the business each A-League club needs to do as a top priority until the season starts on the 30th of October.
Melbourne City: Left back, Attacking midfielder
Following the signing of Socceroos captain Mathew Leckie, City is arguably looking even stronger than last season.
But if Kisnorbo and his men want to retain the title, squad depth will be crucial.
Following the departures of Ben Garuccio and Adrian Luna, left-back and midfield are two positions that will certainly need attention.
Both Scott Galloway and Nathaniel Atkinson are capable of providing cover on the left side of the defence if needed but are definitely more comfortable on the right. That leaves Scott Jamieson as the only natural left-back in the team.
18-year-old Jordan Bos who recently signed his first Scholarship deal with the club could be the answer if City don’t want to spend big but he still lacks senior experience and will need time to adapt.
Finding a replacement for fan-favorite Adrian Luna could prove to be even easier.
The Citizens already have a couple of players who could fill the role in the faces of Tilio, Raphael, and Berenguer so signing a marquee for that position will be deemed a luxury
Melbourne Victory: Striker, Centre-Back
Having already made 10 new additions, Melbourne Victory and Tony Popovic don’t plan on stopping. With few squad spots left, signing a foreign number nine and another centre-back could be deemed priorities.
After failing to replace ex-captain Ola Toivonen last year, Victory will be extra careful when picking their new striker this summer.
With the likes of Ikonomidis, Kruse, Rojas, Folami, and Brooks already at the club, they need to find a clinical finisher who’s fit enough and is able to start scoring right from the off without requiring much time to adapt.
Popovic would also want a left-sided – if not necessarily left-footed – centre-half to play in his preferred back-three formation. Someone quick with additional speed to cover the channels and able to carry the ball upfield would be ideal, with the centre-back partnership of Ansell and Shotton last campaign failing to provide solidity.
Newcastle Jets: Defensive midfielder, Goalkeeper
The Jets have already signed the majority of their targets and Arthur Papas will only need to make some final touches to his squad before the season starts.
With the news that Cameron Devline is set to join Scottish Premiership side Hearts, Newcastle will need to find a suitable replacement for the 23-year-old. A defensive-minded and aggressive player who’s willing to sit behind O’Doherty and Thurgate must be the goal.
A goalkeeper is the other position in which they could use some more cover after Lewis Italiano’s contract was terminated in July.
Jack Duncan who’s currently the only seasoned goalkeeper at the club didn’t have the best possible season last year and Noah James, who recently returned from loan, is still very raw and untested at this level.
Perth Glory: Right-Back, Winger
Perth are one of the clubs that have been fairly quiet about their business this summer.
10 players left Garcia’s side after the end of last season with only four joining up at the time of writing.
Two positions that clearly need the most attention at the moment are right-back and wide forward.
A full-back that can cover either flank and fit in as a third cente-back when needed would be the ideal option.
Next on the shopping list should be a left-footed winger capable of playing on the right. The Glory rely too heavily on Bruno Fornaroli for goals and having a player who can cut in from the flank and score will take some burden off the veteran’s shoulders.
Image Supplied: Melbourne City
