The Sky Blues have undergone radical surgery since finishing out of finals contention last season.

Vukovic departs Victory, signs with Sydney FC Brilliante inspired by past greats

Twelve players have left to make way for new blood which coach Graham Arnold believes will bolster his defence, strengthen his midfield and give his attack the spark it's lacked since their grand-final run the season before last.

But Arnold said he is still searching for that special player who can do what no man has since Janko delivered 16 goals in that one season.

"Marquee will be a No.9 for sure," Arnold said.

"I made it clear to the players at the end of last season. It's just a matter of finding him, which will take time.

"Whether it's a big name or not, that's another thing.

"But most importantly it's a player who will come here and perform, and hopefully score 15 goals plus."

Sydney have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of resumes flooding in.

The challenge now lies in the laborious process of sifting through the global haystack in the hope of stumbling across the next Bruno Fornaroli.

"We've got a long list," Arnold said.

"Yesterday when we counted we had 158 put forward, so we've analysed and looked at 158 of them."

They include former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, ex-West Ham United forward Carlton Cole and former German international Kevin Kuranyi, though it's unlikely the club will seriously consider them.

Another marquee - to join winger Filip Holosko - is one of two significant signings the club is still to make, with Arnold revealing the second will be an attacker.

Off-contract captain and last season's Australian marquee Alex Brosque is also expected to sign a new deal under the salary cap.

Sydney have already added off-season quality to the squad in former Melbourne City defenders Alex Wilkinson and Michael Zullo, ex-Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic and fringe Socceroos midfielder Josh Brillante.

A more familiar face is winger Bernie Ibini, who's back on a season-long loan from Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge.

"I'm very happy with where we're at recruitment-wise," Arnold said.

"I want two quality players for every position so the players can push themselves to another level."