Sydney FC have begun the process of rebuilding their Isuzu-Ute A-League squad following the departures of twelve players from the 2021-22 season.
Strikers Kosta Barbarouses, Luciano Narsingh and Trent Buhagiar will all depart alongside midfielder Mustafa Amini and defenders Harry Van der Saag, Callum Talbot, Anton Milnaric and Liam McGing.
Long term injury concerns Chris Zuvela and Calem Nieuwenhof will also leave the club, but will continue their rehab at Sydney FC until they’re deemed fit to play or wish to depart.
Head Coach Steve Corica said: “Last year was a tough season and there were some very tough decisions we’ve had to take following it, but I’m confident these decisions are in the best interests of the club.
“I’d like to thank all of these players for their service to Sydney FC and pay credit to each player’s attitude and commitment while representing our club.
“We look to the future and to freshening up the squad, which is going to be a major difference for us next season.
“It’s unfortunate for the players who are leaving, particularly those who have been on the long-term injury list, but we need to move on and rejuvenate the squad.
“We did offer contracts to a couple of players on the list, but they’ve made decisions that their futures lie elsewhere.
“That’s football, you can’t keep everyone in a salary capped environment, and there are a lot of younger boys [from our NPL squad] doing very well who are ready to step up next season.”
Record breaking striker Bobô announced earlier this month he was to retire, while left back Michael Zullo will continue his rehab from a calf injury in Brisbane to be nearer to family.
The Sky Blues remain in talks with a number of other players who are off contract at the end of June and expect to confirm details of their playing futures very soon.
Sydney FC’s Isuzu A-League 2022-23 playing squad come back in for training in early July.
