The A-League Men's transfer window has slammed shut and, although clubs can still sign free agents, that means most of the rumour, conjecture, and silliness of the window will subside until it opens up for another month on Jan. 16.
- A-League Tipping: Create a comp and test yourself against the best!
Inevitably, the arrival of Douglas Costa at Sydney FC and Juan Mata's move to the Western Sydney Wanderers have been the biggest stories by far, especially given that the broader trends of frugality across the Australian top flight. However, with parity built into the salary-capped A-League model, each offseason offers clubs a chance to hope for a rapid turnaround and the prospect of silverware in the months ahead.
With that in mind, ESPN has taken a look at each team's key recruit ahead of the new season, their biggest loss over the previous window, and a signing that carries with it a wealth of narrative heading into the 2024-25 A-League campaign which begins on Oct. 18.
Adelaide United
Best signing: Bart Vriends, 33, from Sparta Rotterdam
For years and years, Adelaide's defence has weighed down their aspirations -- they were one of only two sides last year season to score more than 50 goals, but somehow conspired to concede even more -- and while one player does not a defensive reformation make, the hope will be that the veteran Dutchman can help to turn the tide.
A stalwart of the Eredivisie, the 33-year-old's spurning of interest from Saudi Arabia to sign in Adelaide can probably be tied to the arrival of former Netherlands international Ernest Faber as technical director -- Faber's arrival, in turn, able to be linked to the Reds' new partnership with PSV Eindhoven -- and, having started 25 games in the Dutch top flight last season for a Sparta Rotterdam side that finished in its top half, Vriends should be able to play at a good level in the A-League. That's assuming he can make the adjustment to the heat and hard pitches and stay on the park, of course. Given the depth concerns that exist in defence for Adelaide, a lot is riding on that qualifier.
Biggest loss: Nestory Irankunda, 18, to Bayern Munich
While his move to Munich meant that the Reds were able to cash in on their starboy, Irankunda's departure still leaves an explosive void in their attack and the A-League without its most exciting player. Even with the rawness and inconsistency associated with Irankunda's game -- it's remarkable the strides he's already taken at Bayern -- the teenager was a player capable of single-handedly winning matches for Adelaide with his intent and dynamism. The talent coming out of South Australia is impressive -- Amlani Tatu is one to watch -- but it's doubtful we'll be seeing someone of Irankunda's prodigiousness emerge anytime soon.
One to watch: Archie Goodwin, 19, from Newcastle Jets
At the same time Irankunda was breaking out at Hindmarsh, hopes in Newcastle were that Goodwin was set to become the next big thing at McDonald Jones Stadium. Alas for Goodwin and the Jets' faithful he was never able to put things together during his time there, with injuries playing a significant role in keeping him off the pitch for extended periods and denying him the consistent football he needed to kick on. One has to wonder if the Jets' backroom staff weren't so significantly under-resourced amidst protracted ownership chaos if that could have been avoided. Regardless, Goodwin is now a Red and, at just 19, still has plenty of time to establish himself at a club where he should get opportunities ... if he can stay on the pitch.
Auckland FC
Best signing: Hiroki Sakai, 34, from Urawa Red Diamonds
It's not hyperbole to suggest that Sakai is one of the best-credentialled players that the A-League has ever had; a veteran of more than 100 games in Ligue 1, nearly 100 games in the Bundesliga, a J1 League champion, an Asian Champions League winner, and a veteran of 74 appearances for Japan -- including their run to the knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the final of the 2019 Asian Cup.
Yes, age will have wearied the 34-year-old defender's legs and given that he's a as he's right-back as opposed to a more attacking position, his appeal may not be widespread, but he should be a difference maker. With an expansion franchise, however, perhaps just as important as the impact a veteran like Sakai can have on the field is the legacy they leave off it. Coming into their first season, Auckland are essentially a raw piece of clay and while it will fall upon foundation coach Steve Corica to establish a foundation of style, it is leaders like Sakai -- who was recently captain of Urawa Red Diamonds -- that will play a large role in establishing the early dynamics and standards in the dressing room and on the training track, be it leading from the front or just by example.
One to watch: Alex Paulsen, 22, from AFC Bournemouth
Paulsen put together one of the best seasons a goalkeeper has ever had in the A-League as he helped Wellington to a second-place finish in 2023-24, earning himself a move to Premier League side Bournemouth in the process. But now he's back in the A-League, on loan at the Cherries' fellow Black Knight Football Club group in Auckland and serving as the face of the reason the A-League decided to dump the "Caceres Clause." Obviously, there's a clear narrative associated with his shift across the divide of the newly formed tauwhāinga with Wellington, but it will also bear watching to see if he can back up such a historic season on the other side of the North Island. Does Paulsen kick on and become even more of an impenetrable force? Or behind a new backline, under a new coaching staff, and in a new location, is there some kind of regression to the mean?
Brisbane Roar
Best signing: Rafael Struick, 21, from ADO Den Haag
Struick's arrival at the Roar feels like the type of signing that cash-strapped A-League clubs will increasingly be looking at in the years ahead, with good reason. Able to play in a central attacking role or on the wing -- which means he shouldn't block the progression of Roar prodigy Tom Waddingham -- the 21-year-old wasn't getting a look in at senior level after coming up through the ranks of Dutch side ADO Den Haag. Further, already capped 15 times for Indonesia at a senior level -- most recently against Australia in World Cup qualifying -- Struick should supplement these opportunities in the A-League with international minutes against the likes of Japan and Saudi Arabia, which will further aid his development. Thus, not only do the Roar get a player with a potential high-upside for them on the park but also one that's young enough to attract decent on-sale value should he impress.
Biggest loss: Kai Trewin, 23, to Melbourne City
Melbourne City don't tend to miss when they're poaching rivals' young talents, and the move down to Victoria looks like it just might be the latest example of this phenomenon. Already established as an Olyroo, Trewin had entrenched himself as an ever-present figure in the Roar defence as far back as the 2020-21 season -- at 23 years old he's already got 94 A-League starts under his belt -- and while Brisbane hasn't been much to write home about during that stretch, his continued development suggests a Socceroos-level ceiling. Having signed a two-year deal at Casey Fields, Trewin could attract a transfer fee sooner rather than later, too, so to lose him on a free will sting for the Roar.
One to watch: Hosine Bility, 23, from Mafra
If you've been following Australia's junior national teams for any serious length of time, then the Bility name should be a familiar one, given his call-ups for the Olyroos. But toiling away as he has been across Denmark, Iceland, and Portugal -- almost exclusively in youth sides -- very few would be all that familiar with his game beyond a general summary provided by Wyscout or similar. This makes his presence in this year's Roar side -- on loan from Liga Portugal 2 side Mafra -- such an intriguing one. Can he validate the faith placed in him by the national setup by seizing the opportunity, playing regular football and establishing himself as an upper-echelon defender in the A-League?
Central Coast Mariners
Best signing: Vitor Feijão, 28, from Caxias
Once again, the Mariners have been picked apart during the offseason and now face the task of somehow staying competitive in a year in which they'll have to juggle domestic duties with competing in the Asian Champions League Elite. The return of favourite son Trent Sainsbury to skipper the side and partner Brian Kaltak in defence is big, but if Mark Jackson's side is going to keep challenging for silverware, then the signing of 28-year-old Feijão needs to be another one of those very Mariner signings that have worked out as of late. Last on the books of Caxias in the Brazilian Série C and able to play on either wing or in a central role, the attacker's most prolific season came back when he had 10 goal involvements with Albanian top-flight side FK Kukësi in 2021-22. His arrival, however, carries the air of signings that have worked for the Mariners in years past; lesser heralded internationals that discover something in the water in Gosford and prove difference makers. Starting for them in the Asian Champions League Elite on Tuesday was a positive beginning.
Biggest loss: Josh Nisbet, 25, to Ross County
Another one that should be pretty obvious. Max Balard, Dan Hall, and Jacob Farrell have also departed Gosford this offseason and will leave significant voids to fill, but the reigning Johnny Warren Medalist's exit from the club carries its own level of feeling beyond just the on-field aspects -- which themselves are pretty significant given that he led the league in assists last year. The rise of Nisbet from unwanted and dismissed elsewhere, who was part of the club when it was finishing last and serving as the vessel for a Usain Bolt-shaped sideshow, to being named the league's best player in a treble-winning season for the Mariners almost perfectly encapsulated what made the club's run of form across the past few years so special. Now, regardless of how well they navigate the challenge of yet another rebuild this coming season, Nisbet's exit almost feels like the end of an era.
One to watch: Adam Pavlešić, 22, from Sydney FC
With the retirement of Danny Vukovic there's a void between the posts for the Mariners and, based on (limited) preseason hitouts in the Australia Cup and the Champions League, it seems that the newly signed Pavlešić will receive the first opportunity at filling it, with another highly rated youngster in Jack Warshawsky waiting in the wings. Brought in from Sydney FC -- the Mariners previously signed his younger brother Anthony from the Wanderers before flipping him to Bayern Munich -- the 22-year-old custodian has limited experience at a senior level, but possesses potential. With Mark Birighitti still a free agent, there remains a chance that the Mariners could make a change before the season starts but, for now, it appears as though they'll put their faith in youth in goal for the season ahead. How that youth performs -- be it Pavlešić or Warshawsky -- could play a major part in defining the defending champions' season.
Macarthur FC
Best signing: Harrison Sawyer, 27, from South Melbourne
One of two Deadline Day deals announced by the Bulls, Sawyer has been grafting away for years after a brief 2017 stint with the Jets and, finally, is getting another look in at A-League level. Prolific for South Melbourne in the NPLM Victoria he should be able to work in tandem with Valère Germain and try to help fill the attacking void left by the glut of departures from Campbelltown. His height is an obvious weapon and the likes of Marin Jakoliš will enjoy looking to find him in the box -- Hellas largely built their attack around his ability to be a target for set pieces and throw-ins hurled into the penalty area in recent years -- but Sawyer is also a tireless runner that will press and drop to try and defend and facilitate play. Given that he'd already agreed to terms with the Bulls before he flew back to Melbourne and played 120 minutes in challenging conditions to help South beat Hume in the Australia Cup, his hunger and desire can't be questioned, either.
Biggest loss: Ulises Dávila, 33, released
Beloved by the fanbase and serving as their talisman as they looked to establish an identity and tradition in Campbelltown, the nature of Dávila's exit from the Bulls -- implicated as the ringleader in a spot-fixing scandal -- will have an impact that stretches far beyond the pitch. On it, however, the absence that their former skipper will be a major one for Mile Sterjovski's unit, with the former Mexico youth international serving as a key creative outlet and attacking force for the side ever since he joined from Wellington.
One to watch: Luke Brattan, 34, from Sydney FC
Given the upheaval that has taken place at the Bulls this offseason -- Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis were also caught up in the spot-fixing scandal -- Brattan's arrival in the heart of the midfield is probably just as much about bringing stability and leadership as it is his on-field application. Inevitably, age is slowing the 34-year-old but, having played every minute of every game so far in the Bulls' run to the semifinals of the Australia Cup, it's clear he's going to have a role to play in Sterjovski's plans.
Melbourne City
Best signing: Nathaniel Atkinson, 25, from Hearts
Frozen out at Hearts during what are ostensibly his prime years, Atkinson desperately needed a move and, with the A-League window extending to Sept. 16, his Deadline Day transfer back to City offers a win-win scenario for both. The Tasmanian will likely get what he needs more than anything else for his career right now -- regular football -- and given that a return to the A-League didn't stop Aziz Behich on the other flank from still getting call-ups, it doesn't have to hurt his Socceroos aspirations. City, meanwhile, brings back an academy graduate and former Grand Final hero at a good age, who should perform at a league-leading level. Beyond that, Atkinson is arriving on a three-year deal, one that should ostensibly allow City to cash in on him if he rediscovers the form that saw him start at the 2022 World Cup.
🤩 Just had to post this one...
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) September 16, 2024
Can't wait to see you back in City colours, Nate 🫡 pic.twitter.com/3vRYSRgyDA
Biggest loss: Tolgay Arslan, 34, to Sanfrecce Hiroshima
The circumstances of the German's exit did not appear all that harmonious but, regardless of the reasons, City boss Aurelio Vidmar now needs to figure out a way to replace the best player in the league last season, even if a suspension ruled him out of contention for the Johnny Warren Medal.
One to watch: Marco Tilio, 23, from Celtic
After re-upping on his loan deal from Celtic in the offseason, Tilio desperately needs a campaign of consistent football under his belt to regain momentum in what is still a highly promising career. Perhaps breaking through at Celtic isn't on the cards but a strong season in the A-League should be enough to get him back into Socceroos contention -- especially given Graham Arnold's urgent need for creativity -- and give him options come the 2024-25 offseason to find a better situation in Europe. For City, meanwhile, an exceptionally young strike-force, led by Max Caputo, will likely require the likes of Tilio, Andrew Nabbout, and Mathew Leckie to shoulder extra goal-scoring burden and probably have stints playing centrally.
Melbourne Victory
Best signing: Mitch Langerak, 36, from Nagoya Grampus
The veteran won't make his return to AAMI Park until the January transfer window opens but, when he does, it's difficult to argue that Victory won't immediately have the standout goalkeeper in the league. One of the best keepers in Asia throughout his time at J1 League side Nagoya Grampus -- repeatedly breaking the league's clean sheet record -- the 36-year-old should still be in contention for the Socceroos' No. 1 role given his regular minutes, but the national team's loss looks to be Victory's gain. Memories of his rise with the club before he made the move to Borussia Dortmund are still present amongst the Victory fanbase, he'll instantly become a fan-favourite when he takes the field back in Melbourne and he'll also bring an extra level of on-field leadership. Striker Nikos Vergos has looked good in preseason and could prove massive, too, but the conquering hero returning to where it all began narrative is difficult to pass up.
Biggest loss: Damien Da Silva, 36, to Clermont Foot
Da Silva's time in Melbourne was short, but dominant -- arriving midway through the 2022-23 season but still winning back-to-back Victory Medals and anchoring the side to last year's Grand Final. Brendan Hamill has been brought back from India to pair with Roderick Miranda but, given that a case can be made that Da Silva's brief stint was one of the best ever by a defender in league history, he's got a mighty task ahead of him to fill the Frenchman's shoes. Add to this the loss of defensive utility Connor Chapman and the retirement of Leigh Broxham and all of a sudden the backline at AAMI Park could be facing some questions.
One to watch: Reno Piscopo, 26, from Newcastle Jets
One whose potential has always been evident but who has never quite been able to put things together, Piscopo was desperate to secure a move back home to Melbourne during the offseason and got his wish in July, signing a two-year deal. The talent possessed by the 26-year-old is there to be special but he not only does he need to realise it soon, but he also faces a lot of competition for places in Victory's attack; Daniel Arzani, Zinedine Machach, and Nishan Velupillay are all seemingly set to commence the season as starters.
Newcastle Jets
Best signing: Maverick Sports Partners
With the protracted saga surrounding their ownership becoming an existential threat last season, bringing in an ownership group that could ensure some semblance of viability, to say nothing of stability, was critical for the Jets, overshadowing any kind of player signing they could make. Will Maverick Sports Partners prove good owners in the long term? Who knows; given the Jets at times seem to be governed by Sod's Law, none of their fan base would probably be surprised if they're white-knuckling their club's existence again within half a decade. But new beginnings bring new opportunities and, in spite of the suit of armour that cynicism provides, new opportunities bring hope. For the Jets, that's probably just what they needed this offseason.
Biggest loss: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, 25, to Motherwell
It became increasingly obvious throughout Stamatelopoulos' breakout season in 2023-24 that the Jets were going to lose him sooner rather than later; at 25 and seeking to push for Socceroos selection off the back of a 17-goal season, he almost had to strike while the iron was hot. The Jets were at least able to secure a fee from Motherwell for his services, but coach Rob Stanton is now tasked with replacing those aforementioned 17 goals.
One to watch: Ben Gibson, 21, from APIA Leichhardt
Previously a prospect in Sydney FC's academy -- where Stanton would have seen him in action first-hand -- the 21-year-old banged in 18 goals across the 2024 NPL NSW campaign with APIA Leichhardt, which has seen him receive a deserved look-in at the Jets. One of several players brought into the A-League from the NPL this season, Gibson is the type of signing that the Jets should be seeking to make in the current environment; a high-performing local that's hungry for a chance, is young enough to present plenty of upside if he does kick on, and won't require the kind of fiscal outlay that would be a burden if he doesn't work out.
Perth Glory
Best signing: Luis Cangá, 29, from SD Aucas
The Glory shipped a staggering 69 goals on their way to a wooden spoon last season -- 14 more than the next worse Brisbane and Western United -- so reinforcing the backline was one of the most pressing needs for David Zdrilic, Stan Lazaridis, and the administration that has taken control out west. A three-time Ecuador international who has played more than 200 games in his homeland's top flight, Cangá was captaining SD Aucas in Copa Libertadores action as recently as February of this year and should slot straight into the Glory defence, bringing experience and, crucially, a level of intimidation. Lazaridis described his new addition as looking "mean" following his announcement, and the first photos of the defender in training little to dissuade that notion. Just like new Bulls signing Dino Arslanagić, you just can't beat a scary looking centre-back.
Biggest loss: Stefan Colakovski, 24, released
After a nightmare first year in purple, Colakovski found a new lease on life under Alen Stajcic in 2023-24, scoring six times and re-establishing himself as a fan favourite for the Glory. He departed the club this offseason to pursue opportunities abroad -- sides in Scotland and Bulgaria have shown interest -- but, for now, nothing has eventuated.
One to watch: Abdelelah Faisal, 18, from Macarthur FC
Lured out of Macarthur's academy, Faisal's electric showings for Perth during the Australia Cup suggest that Lazaridis and Co. might want to start thinking about locking him down to a longer deal before he can replicate that these efforts during the regular season. Netting twice against Brisbane Roar in Glory's playoff win and once more in their Round of 32 triumphs over Melbourne City, the former Mt Druitt Town Ranger has thus far impressed in purple. Alongside 20-year-old Nathanael Blair, lured across from Western Sydney, the Glory have some exciting attacking prospects going forward.
Better Call Faisal 📞💼@PerthGloryFC's new signing wasted no time introducing himself to the home fans ⏱️
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 3, 2024
🎥 @10FootballAU #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #PERvMCY pic.twitter.com/dbdoBPWjXh
Sydney FC
Best signing: Léo Sena, 28, from Água Santa
It was only a few years ago that Sena was on the brink of a move from Spezia to Fiorentina for a mooted €10 million, only for the presence of myocarditis related to a COVID-19 diagnosis to scupper the deal. This discovery, combined with cautious Italian regulations surrounding heart health, would force the Brazilian to spend years on the sidelines before he could return to football with Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv last year, where he made 10 appearances across league and cup pay. A brief stint at Água Santa followed before he landed with the Harboursiders, who are confident that his health issues are a thing of the past and that, given his pedigree, they might have just locked down one of the best players -- capable of filling a variety of roles in the midfield -- in the competition on an affordable two-year deal. And if he can rediscover anything close to that Serie A form in Sydney, with talents such as Anas Ouahim, Patryk Klimala, and Douglas Costa around him, they might be right.
Biggest loss: Jake Girdwood-Reich, 20, to St. Louis CITY SC
The record fee that the Sky Blues received and the emergence of Hayden Matthews as what appears to be an even better defensive prospect will soften the blow but, regardless, losing a standout utility that started 24 games and earned PFA Team of the Year honours as a teenager isn't going to make a team better. Indeed, if the figures being thrown at Sydney regarding Matthews prove impossible to ignore come January and he also departs, Ufuk Talay's side could find itself looking rather thin down back even with the deadline day addition of Alex Popović.
One to watch: Douglas Costa, 34, from Fluminense
The pedigree that Costa brings to the A-League is without question, a three-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern Munich, a four-time Serie A champion with Juventus, a five-time Ukrainian champion with Shakhtar Donetsk, and a 31-time Brazil international. He's a lethal creator and a bonafide star who Sydney secured on a two-year deal. But is he also a matchwinner in 2024? After a deal to join Turkish club Samsunspor collapsed the 34-year-old joined Fluminense on a one-and-a-half-year deal earlier this year, only to part ways with the famous Tricolor in July as one of the most criticized players in the league and with the team freefalling toward relegation. In a recent interview with SBS Portuguese, Costa said: "I believe I play better out of Brazil than in." Sydney fans will be hoping so.
Wellington Phoenix
Best signing: Hideki Ishige, 29, from Gamba Osaka
Coach Giancarlo Italiano has flagged that he wants to see an evolution in his side's approach this season, moving away from being the lethal counter-attacking force to a more progressive outfit and, in Ishige, the Nix will certainly be able to count upon a new, versatile weapon in these efforts. Indeed, examine where the 29-year-old, who joins on a two-year deal from Gamba Osaka, has played across more than 150 J1 League appearances, nearly 70 J2 League appearances, and over 50 cup games and it's quicker to simply list the positions he hasn't played than the ones he has. It's two: centre-back and goalkeeper. Italiano's statements upon his signing would seemingly augur that his new addition will play higher up the pitch, but the gaffer will no doubt be chomping at the bit to utilise such a Swiss Army knife of a player.
Biggest loss: Alex Paulsen, 22, to AFC Bournemouth
The only player to feature in this piece twice, Paulsen's exploits were a big reason that Wellington was able to be as successful as they were last season. The club has signed former Tottenham Hotspur product Josh Oluwayemi from Finish side FC Lahti as a replacement and could very well find they don't need to rely on as high a level of goalkeeping play this season given Italiano's indications of a shift in style but, regardless, you can't exactly frame losing the league's best performing goalkeeper from last season as making the side better, can you?
One to watch: Marco Rojas, 32, from Brisbane Roar
One of the feel-good signings of the offseason, most had the "Kiwi Messi" as a nailed-on addition for Auckland following his brief stint with Brisbane last year, only for the 45-time New Zealand international to return to the club where it all began back in 2009, when the Yellow Fever supporter group helped fund a scholarship that became a senior contract. At 32, the attacker is probably entering the twilight of his career, where his ability to mentor players will become increasingly important as his powers on the pitch, but Italiano, at least, isn't giving up on the latter anytime soon -- remarking upon his signing that he thinks a return to Wellington can see Rojas return to his 2016-17 form, where he scored 13 goals and registered nine assists for Melbourne Victory.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Best signing: Jeong Tae-Wook, 27, from Jeonbuk Motors
A towering 27-year-old defender, things haven't quite worked out the way that Tae-Wook would have wanted since his move from Daegu FC to Jeonbuk in 2023, hence his loan move to Western Sydney, but there is a history and profile there to suggest that he can be a difference maker at A-League level. He's not the quickest defender in the world by any stretch of the imagination and, despite his height, he's never registered more than a single goal in a season but he's a strong, imposing figure. Playing outside of Korea for the first time, the change in scenery afforded by Parramatta could be just the thing to jump-start his career. He'll also bring a level of experience that's in somewhat short supply in the Wanderers' backline heading into 2023-24.
Biggest loss: Marcelo, 37, released
One of the reasons that Tae-Wook's arrival in Sydney's west has taken on an added level of importance is the departure of Marcelo. The commanding centre-back was lynchpin in the Wanderers' defensive efforts across his two seasons in the A-League as well as serving as their captain. His exit felt inevitable as last season wore on, but that's cold comfort for those in red-and-black.
One to watch: Juan Mata, 36, from Vissel Kobe
In an entertaining bit of tit-for-tat, the Wanderers responded to Sydney's signing of Costa by going out and grabbing a free agent that scores even higher on the Name Recognition Index (NRI™) in a former World Cup winner, Chelsea and Manchester United star. Just like Douglas Costa, the Spaniard's drawing power cannot be questioned and the early word out of Sydney's west is that the veteran is genuinely in Australia for the right reasons. The big question, however, is not if he's committed but, instead, how long he can stay on the park. The 36-year-old spent the past few months training with Common Goal-aligned FC Nordsjælland but the fact remains that he managed only 10 minutes off the bench during his previous stint with Viseel Kobe in the J1 League and, prior to that, just 495 minutes across 18 appearances with Galatasaray.
Western United
Best signing: Abel Walatee, 20, Akademisk Boldklub
The youth movement that was introduced in Tarneit in 2023-24 shows no sign of abating and that means that Walatee, who signed his first professional contract during the offseason, should be one to watch for John Aloisi's side. A dynamic attacker who scored his maiden goal late on last A-League season against Perth, the 20-year-old signed a two-year deal in early May and recently earned his first call-up to the Olyroos as part of a locally-based outfit that played a two-game series against Vanuatu. After a stinit with Akademisk Boldklub during a not altogether too fruitful time in Denmark, consistent senior football in the A-League should help Walatee unlock the potential that will not only turn him into an explosive weapon in a young side but, potentially, see him fetch the club a transfer fee.
Biggest loss: Daniel Penha, 25, to C.D. Nacional
Western was incredibly keen to keep Penha in the A-League after another impressive stint Down Under (they weren't the only ones, either, with Melbourne City also made a push to bring the Brazilian in) but in the end, personal reasons meant the 25-year-old wasn't able to extend his stay in Australia. A dynamic figure who had a knack for making things happen and loved playing in Australia, Penha battled fitness issues throughout his time in Melbourne's west but, nonetheless, his departure hurts not only Western but anyone that enjoys watching entertaining footballers going around the Australian top-flight.
One to watch: Hiroshi Ibusuki, 33, from Adelaide United
One of the earliest signings of the offseason, Ibusuki stands somewhat in contrast to the rest of Western's business: he's over 30. You can understand why Western made the move; with 15 goals and three assists for Adelaide last season, the production has still been there for Ibusuki and he knows how to get into the box and find the ball. But in the context of the Western project, how does Ibusuki fit right now? Is he a player that's going to get them back into finals football? Or does he sit somewhat awkwardly alongside a youth policy that will possibly require a year or two more in the oven before it's ready for that? Further, how will he work in tandem with young striker Noah Botić, who after some early season struggles looked like he was beginning to put things together across February, only for injury to then end his season. Can the two work together? Given that Botić, at 22, could realistically fetch an $1m fee if he bangs in the goals this season, it's an almost self-defeating signing for Western if they can't.