Adelaide United head coach Airton Andrioli said Awer Mabil is always “welcome back” at the Isuzu UTE A-League after the former Reds star spoke of his desire to return to Coopers Stadium.
Mabil – currently on the books of Spanish second-tier side CD Castellon – has been in Europe for the past 10 years after making a name for himself at boyhood club Adelaide.
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Prior to heading abroad in 2015, the Socceroo forward progressed through Adelaide’s youth team, emerging as one of the most exciting players in the A-Leagues while helping the Reds win the 2014 Australia Cup.
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In an interview with aleagues.com.au this week, Mabil said he would love to return to Adelaide.
Asked about the 28-year-old’s comments, new Reds boss Andrioli told reporters: “Yes, a player like that calibre is always welcome back.
“He’s a local. I know Awer for a long time, going back quite a few years.
“If a player of that calibre becomes available, the club will be interested to look into it.”
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One Socceroo has already returned to Adelaide this off-season – Reds legend Craig Goodwin.
The club’s all-time leading goalscorer is back following a stint with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Wehda.
After replacing Reds great Carl Veart as coach, Andrioli said: “We are extremely happy with the squad.
“Obviously in football you have to always have your eyes open looking for players that might become available.
“There are possibly a couple of positions in the team that we would like to bring somebody in if that player becomes available. But in saying that having Craig back is a fantastic sort of a scenario for us. All his experience, he knows the landscape. Here is a fully professional player that can obviously help the young players along.
“We are happy with the reminder of the squad. We’ve got a good mix between experienced players and young players.”
