Adelaide United can advise it has reached an agreement with Swedish top-flight champions, BK Häcken, over the transfer of Dylan Holmes for an undisclosed fee.
Holmes joins the title holders ahead of the impending Damallsvenskan season, who will also compete in the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The 23-year-old has been one of the Reds’ most consistent players during her second stint with the Club, featuring in every match since the beginning of the 2018/19 season.
For the current Westfield W-League campaign, Holmes was appointed the Club’s skipper and will play her final game for Adelaide against Sydney FC Women at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday night.
The central midfielder, who made her Reds debut in 2014, has accumulated a total 40 appearances while scoring three goals – all which have arrived this year.
Speaking on her decision to depart the Club, Holmes said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make – probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve made in my career.
“But the opportunity to play in Sweden and really test myself in a very strong European league is something I couldn’t turn down.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to push myself and take my game to the next level.
“To have the chance to play Champions League football is something that doesn’t come around every day and I’m excited to see what this opportunity brings.
“I’ll always be grateful to have represented my hometown team for a number of seasons now, and the massive privilege of leading an amazing group of girls as Captain this season.
“I believe this group has all the right attributes to make history for the Club and I will be following their progress closely for the remainder of the season.
“While there are still so many uncertainties in the world at the moment, I know one thing for sure: Adelaide will always be my home and United will always be my team.”
Head Coach of the Club’s Westfield W-League side, Adrian Stenta, said: “Since the start of this season, Dylan has excelled and been an immense leader of our group.
“The improvements she’s made to her football have been on display for everyone to see, but the way she has galvanised our group with her leadership since early in pre-season is something she should be proud of, and something I know will serve her well during this next phase of her career.”
Adelaide United’s Head of Women’s Football, Ivan Karlović, said: “Dylan has been exceptional since returning to the Club in 2018 and has always been a true professional.
“She has matured both on and off the park and while we’re sad to see her moving on, this is a fantastic opportunity for her and we support her footballing growth.
“We believe this move for Dylan is also a reflection of the Club’s enhanced W-League football program which we set about implementing in 2017 and continue to develop and evolve.”
Everyone at Adelaide United thanks Dylan for her dedicated service to the Club and wish her all the best for this next chapter.
