A-Leagues and overseas clubs have started picking the eyes out of Western United’s newly disbanded squads as the league moves on without the beleaguered outfit.
Sydney FC on Tuesday confirmed they had landed exciting attacker Abel Walatee on a four-year deal, while Perth snapped up full-back Charbel Shamoon on a two-year contract.
It follows teen defender Dylan Leonard joining 2.Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04, star midfielder Angus Thurgate penning a three-year deal with Western Sydney and attacker Matt Grimaldi signing with Melbourne Victory.
United were placed into hibernation for the upcoming A-League Men and Women’s seasons as they continue to fight both a court-imposed wind-up order and the withdrawal of their licence.
It meant all their players became free agents, with clubs clamouring to sign the best of the bunch.
Symbolically, Walatee heading north is particularly significant, given he is a prized United academy prospect and western suburbs local – exactly the type of player the club had hoped to be defined by.
“I’m really excited to join Sydney FC and be given this opportunity to progress my career at such a successful club,” he said in a statement.
Walatee believed Sydney was the “perfect place to keep developing” while the Olyroo will clearly add a fresh dimension to the Sky Blues’ attack.
“Abel is an outstanding young talent with electric pace and mesmerising skill,” coach Ufuk Talay said.
“He’s explosive, can create dangerous opportunities out of nothing, and he adds another fantastic weapon to our armoury.
Highly rated defender Leonard, 18, travelled to Germany this week to sign until 2030.
Shamoon, 21, made his full senior debut for Iraq during World Cup qualifiers.
The defender, who said he was keen to “take a new opportunity interstate”, adds more pace and defensive nous to the Glory.
“He played nearly 20 times in a side that finished third last year which shows the quality he has,” football director Stan Lazaridis said.
Attacker Ramy Najjarine also found a home, shifting to Wellington Phoenix.
On the A-League Women front, defender Sasha Grove has returned to Canberra after a season at United.
Melbourne Victory looms as a potential landing spot for Grace Maher, while Adriana Taranto has interest from Adelaide among other clubs.
Anna Harrington, AAP
