Hiroshi Ibusuki will spearhead Western United’s A-League Men’s attack after the striker put pen to paper on a two-year deal.
The Japanese ace was one of the A-League’s top marksmen this season, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances for Adelaide United.
That total was the fourth highest in the league and helped Ibusuki to a sweep of the honours at Adelaide’s awards night, golden boot, players’ player and members’ player of the year gongs completing his collection.
Towering at 195 centimetres tall, Ibusuki combines elite strength and aerial prowess with grace in possession and one of the deadliest finishing repertoires in the competition.
He has more than 400 senior matches in his career, including time at Spanish heavyweights Sevilla and Valencia as well as more than 60 appearances in J1 League in his homeland.
Ahead of crossing Victoria’s western border, Ibusuki said he is itching to get to work with his new teammates and fire up the crowd in Tarneit.
“I’m really honoured to join the Western United family,” he said. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best.
“I cannot wait to play at the new stadium in front of the Western United fans.
“I feel we have a great team. To get success, we just have to work hard and help each other. I hope we can be successful at the end of the season.”
United coach John Aloisi is thrilled to add one of the A-League’s best attackers to his line-up.
“I am ecstatic to welcome Hiroshi to our club and can’t wait to see him fitting in with the team in pre-season training,” he said.
“His quality is going to be a huge addition to our group. His class in the box, whether the ball is in the air or on the floor, will add a new dimension to our play in the final third.
“We are eager to see his impact on the group and I’m sure our fans will be itching to see him in action in Tarneit next season.”
