Adelaide United can confirm Yaya Dukuly will depart the Club after securing an opportunity to continue his career overseas with Slovenian PrvaLiga champions NK Celje, with the transfer completed for an undisclosed fee.
Dukuly’s departure marks another significant moment for Adelaide United’s player development pathway, with the forward progressing from the Club’s NPL program into the senior squad before earning an opportunity abroad.
Making his senior debut against Western United on 27 December 2020 at just 17 years of age, Dukuly went on to establish himself within the A-League Men’s squad across multiple seasons. In total, he made 69 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.
Across his time in Red, Dukuly developed from a promising youth talent into an experienced A-League Men’s footballer, contributing both as a starter and from the bench with his pace, versatility and work rate. He reached the milestone of 50 senior appearances during the 2025/26 season.
Having previously spent time overseas with French club Stade de Reims before returning to Adelaide United in 2024, Dukuly now takes the next step in his career with another opportunity abroad and the opportunity to compete in UEFA Champions League next season.
Yaya Dukuly said:
“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in helping put the Club back in a position to compete in Asia, because I truly believe that’s where Adelaide United belongs.
“I can’t thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and most importantly the Reds fans enough for their support. They gave me the confidence to be myself every time I stepped onto the pitch, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
“This move is the next step in my career, and I’m thankful to Airton and everyone at Adelaide United for helping make it happen. To join a club competing in top-flight European football is an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to challenging myself in that environment.
“I have ambitions of one day representing the Socceroos, and I believe this move gives me the opportunity to keep developing and chasing that goal.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time at the Club and wish everyone nothing but success in the future.”
Adelaide United Football Director, Mitch van Gellekom, said the move reflects the strength of the Club’s development system.
“Yaya’s move is another great example of what we want Adelaide United to be known for,” van Gellekom said.
“We believe in giving young players opportunities, investing in their individual development, and creating a pathway that prepares them for the next step in their careers.
“Yaya has earned this move. He’s developed every season, worked hard, and been a fantastic professional to work with every single day. Those are the players you love having around the Club.
“These are the moments we’re proud of. Seeing another Adelaide United player move to Europe, and to a club competing at the top level of European football, shows that our pathway works and hopefully inspires the next generation coming through our Academy.
“We’ll be following Yaya closely, and seeing him test himself in European football will put a smile on all of our faces.”
Dukuly’s departure opens the door for the next emerging talent within Adelaide United’s squad to progress through the Club’s pathway and into senior football, continuing the Club’s commitment to developing and promoting young players.
Everyone at Adelaide United thanks Yaya for his contribution across his time at the Club and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career overseas.
