Transfers
Persik Kediri, Brisbane Roar, Al Shamal and Lusail SC were also active as transfer activity continued across ASEAN, West Asia and Australia.
Mabil boost for Vidmar’s City
Melbourne City secured Mabil from Spanish side CD Castellon on a three-year contract.
Melbourne City secured Mabil from Spanish side CD Castellon on a three-year contract.
The winger returns to the A-League for the first time since leaving Adelaide United in 2015, having subsequently played in Denmark, Portugal, Turkiye, Spain, Czechia and Switzerland.
Mabil made more than 300 appearances in Europe and featured in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, while also representing Australia at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA World Cup 2026.
"After spending more than a decade playing in Europe, I'm really excited to be coming home to Australia and beginning this new journey with Melbourne City," said the 30-year-old Mabil.
"Following Australian football from afar in recent years, it's impossible not to be impressed by what Melbourne City has built.
"The ambition, the standards and the success the club has achieved made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of."
Aldred returns to Brisbane
Former captain Tom Aldred rejoined Brisbane Roar on a one-year contract after two seasons with India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The centre-back helped Mohun Bagan win the Indian Super League Shield and Cup double in 2024/25 and returns to Brisbane having previously made 116 competitive appearances for the club.
“My family loved living in Brisbane and it was a privilege to wear the orange shirt for as long as I did during my five years here,” said Aldred.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with the members and fans, pull on that shirt again and give it my all for the club.”
Denilson leads Dewa rebuild
Dewa United completed the permanent signing of Denilson from Thai League side Ratchaburi FC after an impressive campaign in which the Brazilian scored 21 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
Dewa United completed the permanent signing of Denilson from Thai League side Ratchaburi FC after an impressive campaign in which the Brazilian scored 21 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
The 31-year-old will wear the No.7 shirt and joins fellow Brazilian attacker Carlos Iury as Dewa reshape their forward line under head coach Osmar Loss.
Denilson said the club’s ambition and sporting plans convinced him to make the move to Indonesia.
“What attracted me to accept Dewa United’s offer was the effort the club made to bring me here and most importantly, the sporting plan that has been prepared for this season,” said Denilson.
“I believe in Dewa United’s project and see great ambition here. That makes me very motivated.”
Castel joins Persik
Persik Kediri have added Spanish forward Castel following his departure from Persib Bandung.
Castel becomes Persik’s sixth overseas player and will work under compatriot Marcos Reina, who is looking to add greater cutting edge to the club’s forward line.
"I've spoken with the head coach, who's also from Spain. Persik Kediri is a great club, and I'll try to play my best to help them reach the top of the table," said Castel.
"Persik Kediri has great supporters and fans. I hope they can enjoy the match, see the team play and win. That's the most important thing.”
Joining Castel at Persik are Marcelo Djalo, who arrives from Thai League 1 side Uthai Thani, and Korea Republic defender Park Jun-heong, who joins after leaving Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Bais strengthens Al Shamal; Lusail land Stojanovski
In Qatar, Al Shamal signed Uruguay youth international Federico Bais from Nacional on a one-year contract.
The left-back joins an Al Shamal side preparing to make their AFC Champions League Elite™ debut after finishing runners-up in the Qatar Stars League last season.
The club said Bais’ arrival formed part of its efforts to add talented players across every area of the squad ahead of its domestic and continental challenges.
Elsewhere, Lusail SC completed the signing of Macedonian forward Georg Stojanovski from Bulgarian side Spartak Varna.
Photo: AFP
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