Adelaide United can announce that Club Champion, Craig Goodwin, has decided to join a Saudi Pro League club for an undisclosed fee.
Goodwin’s United contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, but Saudi Arabia provided an opportunity for the player.
The 31-year-old expressed his gratitude to everyone at Adelaide United, in what was an ‘extremely difficult’ decision for the midfielder to reach.
“It was never really in my plans to leave Adelaide, but this opportunity presented itself and it was an offer that the club and I decided was best for both parties,” Goodwin said.
“I’m a South Australia boy, it’s a special place and it’s where I have so many memories, and experiences, and I have made so many lifelong friends from the pitch to the grandstands.
“It’s where I started my footballing journey, playing for this club and representing this state and its people has been a privilege.
“I will now have the chance to play alongside some of the best in the world and keep testing my ability, which is what drives me as a professional footballer.
“To my Adelaide United family – I will be watching and supporting the Club as I always have.
“Thank you, and see you again.”
Goodwin is the Club’s most prolific goal scorer, with 60 goals from 168 total matches.
He was instrumental in United’s maiden Championship in 2016 and went on to become the 2018 Australia Cup winner, claiming the Mark Viduka Medal for his match-winning brace against Sydney FC.
He became a World Cup Socceroo while wearing the red shirt, selected in a 2022/23 Isuzu Ute A-League season that brought him 15 goals in 28 appearances.
Adelaide United Chair, Ned Morris, said:
“Craig has made an extraordinary contribution to Adelaide United and we have hope that when he decides to return to Australia that Adelaide is his first choice.
“Our focus is now on ensuring the best possible performance for our fans as we continue our preparations for the 2023/24 season.”
Head Coach, Carl Veart, also shared his thoughts on Goodwin’s move:
“It goes without saying that this is a loss for us as we all know Craig’s quality and what he has contributed to Adelaide United,” he said.
“This is the reality of world football, but we will continue to prepare for the season ahead.
“Again, we say thanks to Craig for his services to the Club and welcome him back any time.”
