Sydney FC’s newly capped Socceroos star Joel King has completed an epic few days by completing a move to Danish Superliga club Odense BK for a six figure transfer fee.
The 21-year-old Sky Blues Academy graduate made his Socceroos debut on Thursday against Vietnam and will move to Denmark following Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Oman next week.
The deal was sealed after Odense BK made an offer to trigger a clause in the defender’s contract allowing him to leave.
King has been a virtual ever present for Sydney FC since making his debut for the club in the final regular season game of the 2018-19 season away to Newcastle Jets.
The left back has won two Championships, one Premiership and was named Isuzu Ute A-League Young Player of the Year last season.
He was also a key part of the Olyroos squad who performed admirably at last years’ Tokyo Olympics.
“It’s a life changing opportunity for me and I am extremely excited by the challenge,” King said.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Sydney FC playing through the Academy and for the A-League team.
“I’ve learned an incredible amount and without that help from my coaches and team-mates I wouldn’t have this opportunity.
“I will be forever grateful to Sydney FC, my club who I have supported since I was five years old, and I wish everyone continued success.”
Head Coach Steve Corica didn’t want King to leave but congratulated him and wished him well.
“He has been very consistent over the last three years, improving each season and winning trophies,” he said.
“Joel has come through our Academy, played for the first team, represented the Olyroos and made his full debut for the Socceroos.
“It has been fantastic to watch his development along this pathway which a lot of young players should aspire to and now he makes the move to Europe.
“It’s not great timing for us halfway through the season and it doesn’t leave us much time to bring in a replacement, but we can’t stand in his way.
“We are sad to see him go but we are immensely proud of him and what he has achieved with us, so we wish him the best.”
King made a total of 75 appearances for the Sky Blues, including 63 A-League games, seven AFC Championship League appearances and five FFA Cup matches.
Odense BK have won the Danish League three times, Danish Cup five times and currently sit in 9th place on the ladder.
