Adelaide United is pleased to announce the signing of striker Ajak Riak on a two-and-a-half-year deal, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2027/28 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 25-year-old South Sudan international joins from Uzbekistan Super League side AGMK.
Standing at 1.92m, Riak is a highly regarded young talent and adds a dynamic forward option to the club’s attacking lineup.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Riak moved to Australia at a young age, developing his career across several clubs in the NPL Western Australia before earning a move to Bentleigh Greens in the Victorian Premier League.
He featured prominently during Bentleigh Greens’ 2022 Australia Cup run, scoring in the Round of 16 against A-League side Sydney FC.
Riak enjoyed an impressive 2023 campaign with South Melbourne in NPL Victoria, where he made 23 appearances and scored 10 goals.
His strong form was rewarded with a senior international debut for South Sudan later that year, featuring against Congo in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Riak then signed with Indonesian club PSS Sleman, before joining Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, where he gained European experience featuring in both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In early 2025, Riak joined FC OKMK in the Uzbekistan Super League, making eight appearances before sealing his move to Adelaide.
On making the move to Adelaide United, Riak said:
“United felt like the right fit for me at this point in my career. I’m excited to be part of the journey and family here at Coopers Stadium”.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to join United, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success.”
Adelaide United Football Business Manager Mitch van Gellekom said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ajak to the Club. He adds a unique profile to the squad that we haven’t previously had, and we’re excited about the qualities he brings.”
“We look forward to working with him as he continues to develop over the coming years and seeing the impact he can make.”
Riak has already linked up with his new teammates and will be available for selection once his transfer paperwork is finalised when the January transfer window opens.
He will wear the number 99 shirt for the Reds, with his contract including an option to extend for a further season.
