Bernie WilsonUpdated on: October 12, 2024 9:38 am GMT
In an exciting move for the fanbase and the club’s ambitions, Adelaide United has signed 25-year-old forward Ben Folami from rivals Melbourne Victory. The deal marks a significant addition to the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Folami Makes the Move
Adelaide United secured Folami on a four-year contract, making him just the 11th player ever to transfer directly from Melbourne Victory to Adelaide. This transfer is particularly noteworthy, as Folami is the first player to make this transition since Nick Ansell in 2021.
Folami’s signing follows a successful three years at Melbourne Victory, during which he played a key role in their achievements, including winning the 2021 Australia Cup. Over his time with the Victory, Folami made 108 appearances and scored nine goals, demonstrating his effectiveness on the field.
Folami’s Career Journey
- Previous Club: Melbourne Victory
- Total Appearances at Melbourne Victory: 108
- Goals Scored at Melbourne Victory: 9
- History with Ipswich Town: Folami started his career in England, playing seven matches for Ipswich Town between 2017 and 2021.
- International Experience: He made his senior debut for the Socceroos in March 2022 during a match against Japan.
Excitement at Adelaide United
Expressing delight over his new opportunity, Folami stated, “I am excited to be starting a new chapter in my career with Adelaide United. I have a lot to offer and believe that this club provides the ideal environment for me to continue developing.” He is especially enthusiastic about the direction the club is taking and looks forward to contributing to the team’s success.
The excitement around Folami’s signing is palpable. Adelaide United’s technical director, Ernest Faber, emphasized the significance of this addition, saying, “Securing a player of his calibre is a testament to the club’s growth and ambition. We are now in a position to attract players of Ben’s quality, who are eager to realise their full potential with us.”
Strengthening the Squad
Folami joins a growing list of new signings for the Adelaide United squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. Other recent additions include:
- Archie Goodwin
- Dylan Pierias
- Bart Vriends
- Julian Kwaaitaal
In addition, several players have been signed on scholarship deals, enhancing the club’s depth and potential for the upcoming season.
Marius Zanin, the head of football for Adelaide United, expressed confidence in what Folami brings to the team. “We have been monitoring Ben for some time, and we are very pleased with what he will bring to the squad. He is quick, intelligent, and capable of playing across the front line, which will provide us with a range of tactical options.” He highlighted Folami’s speed and creativity as assets that will significantly enhance the team’s attacking options.
Preparing for Upcoming Challenges
As the Reds gear up to face Melbourne Victory in the Australia Cup semi-final, Folami’s presence could play a pivotal role. His experience in high-stakes matches from his time at Melbourne will be an asset to Adelaide’s ambitions as they seek to progress in the tournament.
With Folami donning the number 17 jersey, fans can expect agility and creativity on the field. His versatility allows him to operate effectively as both a winger and a forward, giving coach Carl Veart a plethora of options in his offensive strategies.
A look at Folami’s Contributions
- Scoring Ability: Proven track record in scoring during his tenure with Melbourne.
- Experience: Experienced in high-pressure situations with both club and national teams.
- Versatility: Ability to play in multiple attacking positions adds depth to the squad.
- Team Cohesion: His enthusiasm and ambition can enhance team dynamics and performance.
Conclusion
Ben Folami’s move to Adelaide United is an exciting new step for both him and the team. The club wants to get stronger, and they believe Folami will help them do just that. He has a lot of skills and experience that can make a big difference in the Isuzu UTE A-League. Fans are looking forward to the new season and can’t wait to see how Folami performs on the field and helps the Reds succeed.
