The January transfer window is officially closed in the Hyundai A-League with several clubs picking up key signings in an effort to bolster their squads in the run-in to the Finals.
We take a look at five of the best January signings across the history of the Hyundai A-League.
5. Tom Rogic (Central Coast Mariners)
Although not technically signed from another club, the impact Tom Rogic had on his short time at Mariners was certainly lasting. Signed from the Nike Football Academy Rogic helped the Mariners to an A-League Premiership and Championship as well as winning the NAB young footballer of the year in 2012. The now 25-year old has gone on to represent Australia 33 times and currently plies his trade for Scottish giants Celtic.
4. Roy Krishna (Wellington Phoenix)
A-League fans weren’t sure what to expect when 5ft 7 striker Roy Krishna was brought to Wellington from Auckland City in 2014 but they soon found out. The Fijian International found his feet quickly and the net even quicker and has now amassed 36 goals in 87 appearances for the Nix. Although more than respectable this record is even more impressive considering it’s been in a period where the Kiwi club has ultimately struggled.
3. Jade North (Brisbane Roar)
Jade North was already an experienced Socceroo when Brisbane managed to secure his signature in 2013 and the no-nonsense defender wasted no time in establishing himself in the heart of the Suncorp Stadium. Bought from Japanese side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, North recently surpassed 100 appearances for the Roar with his undoubted highlight being the 2013-14 Premiership.
2. Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United)
The A-League’s second highest goal-scorer of all time was brought back to Gold Coast United in 2011 following a brief stint in Turkey with Gençlerbirliği. The 55-cap Kiwi International made an instant impact devastating defences with 7 goals from his final 10 games including an absolute screamer in the finals series.
1. Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
Arguably the Socceroos most consistent performer in recent few years, Mark Milligan was poached initially on-loan by the Victory from JEF United China in 2012. Current Victory Coach Kevin Muscat heavily influenced then recently appointed Jim Magilton into singing the versatile Milligan who re-paid the Northern Irishman’s decision by winning the club’s player of the season in 2012/13.
Top 5 January picks of 2018
5. Patricio Rodriguez (Newcastle Jets)
4. Terry Antonis (Melbourne Victory)
3. Nathan Burns (Wellington Phoenix)
2. Dario Vidosic (Melbourne City)
1. Chris Ikonomidis (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
