ADELAIDE United star Awer Mabil will join Danish Superliga champion club FC Midtjylland in what is understood to be the most expensive transfer in A-League history.

The clubs have all but finalised arrangements for Mabil’s transfer, in a deal believed to be worth more than $1 million.

Mabil, 19, had been expected to break the $1.3 million transfer record set by former Reds midfielder Rostyn Griffiths’ sale from Central Coast to China’s Guangzhou in 2012.

Adelaide United has not yet released details of the deal.

FC Midjylland, the reigning champion, is also in the second qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League.

South Sudanese refugee Mabil has paid tribute to the club which gave him his professional debut.

“I would like to thank Adelaide United for allowing me to pursue my dream of playing in Europe for a very strong and ambitious club that sets high standards,” he said.

“A big thank you to my coach Josep Gombau and the rest of the staff at Adelaide United for helping my development as a player and person.

“Special mention to all my teammates who have supported my transition (and to) the Youth Team coaches Michael Valkanis and Angelo Costanzo for picking me up as a young boy and really helping me mature into the first team.

“And of course the fans for being such great fans to play for each week.

“But most importantly my family for the support it has given me and the opportunity it’s has provided me in life and that is not to forget God who gave me this blessed gift to be a footballer.”

Adelaide United CEO Michael Petrillo said the club wished Mabil the “very best in the next stage of his football career.”

“We are really pleased for Awer, he is a great young man and has been a great example to all young footballers in Adelaide,” said Petrillo.

“It shows that if you have the passion and commitment you can forge a pathway through to the A-League with the Adelaide United Football Club and as in Awer’s case, Europe.

“I’m sure that he will be a great addition to their team and we will miss him but understand that his desire and dream was to play in Europe.”

Mabil leaves for Denmark on Tuesday, and once he passes a medical, he will start training with Mitdjylland this week.

It’s understood the Danish club, which is renowned for developing young talent, has very strong links to English championship side Brentford.

Mitdjylland has been scouting Mabil since he went on trial with Dutch giant Ajax Amsterdam in January.

Mitdjylland is bringing Mabil to Denmark with an eye to introducing the former Campbelltown City winger to the tough English game in future.

Mabil will say his farewell to his Reds fans tonight when Adelaide hosts Liverpool at Adelaide Oval in a unique friendly for South Australian soccer fans.

Adelaide and Mitdjylland have been in negotiations for Mabil over the weekend.

Mabil nonetheless remained reserved ahead of the signing, declaring the most important focus for him was the clash against Liverpool.

“I can’t really say anything about it now,’’ Mabil said.

“All I’m focussed on is the Liverpool game. I’m still contracted with Adelaide United.

“One day I’d like to play overseas and make a career over there and it’s a matter of working hard. I’d like to be playing in the English Premier League. That’s a dream for any kid.”

Mabil’s sparkling character and his willingness to perform for his hordes of fans whenever he’s on the pitch made him an A-League favourite ever since former Adelaide boss John Kosmina handed him his debut in 2013.

Off the pitch he has been an ambassador for the people of South Sudan. Last month Mabil launched the Barefoot to Boots campaign in Kakuma, Kenya, the refugee camp where he was born.

Mabil and Reds team-mate Osama Malik went to Kakuma armed with loads of boots, shirts and balls which they donated to refugees.

“It was an amazing feeling giving back to the kids and people there,’’ Mabil said.