“Yairo has given great service to Sydney FC over the last 19 months and has become a firm fan favourite,” Farina said. “We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best for his future career.” The speedy 24-year-old impressed with his pace and eye for goal, scoring six times in his maiden season. However, he was used sparingly this season as Farina preferred Ali Abbas and then Garcia for left-attacking midfield role. He ended up playing 27 matches but failed to add to his scoring tally this season. “Thank you for the support to the people at the club and the fans, especially The Cove,” he said. “This was the best decision for me and the club to allow me to recover from my injury. I wish all the best to the club and to the team and I hope they go on and make the finals.” It was been a tough six months for Yau, who was left in limbo by the club as they pondered whether to extend his loan at the start of the season. That was further compounded by seeing Panama's heartbreaking failure to qualify for the World Cup courtesy of a last-gasp defeat to the USA.

The news of his departure means Dimitrijevic can sign for the Sky Blues immediately. However, given the 29-year-old has not played a competitive game in eight months, it is thought he may take a while to gain match fitness. Meanwhile, Sydney midfielder Matt Thompson has had his temporary deal extended until the end of the season. Thompson had been signed as an injury replacement for Peter Triantis but with the youngster almost fully recuperated, Thompson has been designated as the replacement for Rhyan Grant, who is out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The former Newcastle and Melbourne Heart midfielder has been a handy addition since signing hours before the first match of the season. “I've really enjoyed my time at Sydney FC so far and I'm delighted to be staying on until the end of the season,” Thompson said. “Training has been very intense recently with a lot of competition for places, so I'm happy I have been able to show the coaches what I'm capable of both on the training field and in the games.” Thompson was rumoured to have been offered a contract in Malaysia last month but was persuaded to stay at Sydney with the promise of a new deal. “Matt has done well since he has come to the club and has impressed us with his attitude and work rate,” Farina said. “I hope we will continue to see more from him as the season progresses and we prepare for the finals series.”

Elsewhere, Wellington Phoenix have announced the short-term signing of Roy Krishna on an injury-replacement contract for Paul Ifill. Krishna has been a free-scoring sensation in the New Zealand league and the Fijian is regarded as one of the biggest talents in the Pacific Islands. The 26-year-old recently scored Auckland City's only goal in the FIFA Club World Cup as they were defeated 2-1 by hosts Raja Casablanca.