Adelaide United FC has received a boost to its squad for the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Season with forward Eli Babalj joining the club.

The Reds have managed to snare Babalj on a loan deal from his Dutch club AZ Alkmaar until the end of the season.

Adelaide United CEO, Michael Petrillo, has not hidden the fact that the Club has been on the lookout for a forward.

Babalj, who has made two appearances for the Socceroos and has previously spent some time in the Hyundai A-League, fits that mould perfectly, and Petrillo is delighted to have attracted a player of Babalj’s calibre to the Reds.

"Eli was one of the first players we put on our list when we started our search for an attacking player so to have been able to secure him is terrific,” said Petrillo.

“He will fit well into our style of play and has had a great preparation having been in Holland for the last season or two.

“He's young, hungry to keep developing and was keen to join us. He will provide a different dimension to our attacking play.

“We are also grateful to AZ Alkmaar for their cooperation in facilitating the loan agreement and they have been great to deal with".

The 23-year old sees an invitation to spend a season with the Reds as the ideal way to do this and is determined to give his best during his Adelaide United tenure.

"I'm really looking forward to spending the season at Adelaide United working with Guillermo Amor the coaching staff and players," said Babalj.

"I've always admired the way Adelaide plays football and excited for the challenge this opportunity presents."

Babalj is due to arrive in Adelaide on Wednesday where he will link-up with his new teammates and be the first major signing under new Head Coach, Guillermo Amor.

Eli Babalj

Date of Birth: 21 February 1992 (23)

Place of Birth: Sarajevo, SFR Yugoslavia

Position: Forward

Club History

2010-2012 Melbourne Heart

2012-2013 Red Star Belgrade

2013 Melbourne Heart

2013-2015 AZ Alkmaar

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