Brisbane Roar trio Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota have each signed contracts with Dutch Eredivisie outfit FC Utrecht after the two clubs reached agreement on terms this week.
Brisbane Roar trio Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota have each signed contracts with Dutch Eredivisie outfit FC Utrecht after the two clubs reached agreement on terms this week.
Having impressed coaching and technical staff during their two-week training stint in The Netherlands, Utrecht were quick to snap up the three young Australian prospects.
Brisbane Roar chief executive Peter McLennan said the club was disappointed to have lost three highly talented youngsters, but acknowledged their desire to further themselves and their careers in Europe.
“You can-t help but be disappointed to lose three young players who have the undoubted potential of Tommy, Michael and Adam,” McLennan said.
“However, for the Brisbane Roar this is tempered by the knowledge we have provided each of them with the platform to potentially become the next generation of Socceroos.
“Our aim as a club has always been to identify exciting young talent, provide them with an environment to develop and the opportunity to prove themselves in the Hyundai A-League.
“The unfortunate downside of this is when these players display the talent we-ve identified it becomes very difficult to hold onto them.
“Football is a global game and as a club we would never stand in the way of a player who expresses a desire to test himself at the very highest level.
“With that in mind, we wish the three boys the very best of luck with FC Utrecht where we will watch their respective careers with a great deal of pride and interest.”
McLennan said the club would continue to seek out fresh, young talent for the coming season and those beyond.
Oar and Zullo have both made their Socceroos debut in the past 12 months, while Sarota this season stepped up to the Hyunda A-League after being recognised as the National Youth League-s inaugural best player in the 2008/09 season.
Sarota and Zullo have each signed a three-year deal with the Dutch Eredivisie outfit, Oar has agreed to a contract for five seasons.
Financial details of the agreement between Brisbane Roar and FC Utrecht will remain confidential.
