Adelaide United have been left delighted by Joe Gauci’s deadline day move to Aston Villa even if his departure for the Premier League leaves one A-League coach feeling a little ‘sad’.
It was a busy deadline day at Villa Park, with three new players arriving before the clock struck 11.
After a number of failed bids, Aston Villa finally got a deal for Morgan Rogers over the line, stumping up £15 million for the Middlesbrough forward. Lino Sousa, another who honed his talents in West Brom’s academy, joined from Arsenal before being farmed out immediately on loan to Plymouth Argyle.
In 23-year-old Joe Gauci, meanwhile, Unai Emery has got his mitts on a man some view as the obvious successor Mat Ryan between the sticks for the Australian national team.
Aston Villa land Australia goalkeeper Joe Gauci
Gauci, who’s signing has been dubbed a ‘wonderful investment’ by ex-Villa keeper Mark Bosnich, signs a long-term deal in the Midlands after being included in the A-League’s 2023 Team of the Year.
“I don’t think it could be any better for Joe,” smiles Adelaide United coach Carl Veart. “We’re so happy for him. The work that he’s done to get to this point to give himself this opportunity to go to such a big club – it’s a credit to himself.
“The work that he’s been doing the last three-and-a-half years since he’s come back to the club has been outstanding, and he’s shown to all our young players at the club, if you’re prepared to do the right things and work hard and focus on yourself and getting the best out of yourself, the rewards will come.
“We’re very happy for Joe.”
‘Exceptional talent’
Eugene Galekovic, Adelaide’s goalkeeping coach, has been left with rather bittersweet feelings. Pleased for Gauci, but also knowing that a man with his ‘positive attitude, work ethic and exceptional talent’ will be difficult to replace.
“We’ve witnessed Joe’s growth and development first-hand during his time with us,” Galekovic tells Weekly Times Now. “His commitment to improving as a goalkeeper has been evident in every training session and match.
“While we are sad to see him go, we understand that this transfer presents a fantastic opportunity for Joe to further elevate his career, joining one of the world’s truly great competitions.”
Gauci, capped twice by the Socceroos, is expected to provide back-up for Emi Martinez, perhaps opening the door for Robin Olsen to depart in the summer.
Villa face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening.
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