Dylan Holmes admits “it’s a dream come true” after transferring to Swedish champions BK Häcken for an undisclosed fee.
The Adelaide United Women Captain will play her final match for the Reds this season against ladder leaders Sydney FC Women at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday night.
Holmes disclosed the news to the entire squad on Tuesday night at training and said the group was very supportive.
She has excelled with Adelaide since returning for her second stint with the Club in 2018, featuring in every available match.
“It’s a dream come true,” Holmes told reporters at a press conference at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday.
“It’s something that I’ve always really wanted to do and I’m really grateful that I got the opportunity and really excited to get over there.”
However, while she was thrilled to be testing herself at a higher level, the 23-year-old revealed it remained an extremely tough decision to make.
“It was definitely the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Holmes said.
“The offer was I think in the end just too good to pass up and the long-term benefits of me going I think will be really big.
“So it was really hard, especially because we’ve been doing really well this year, but I’ve full faith in the girls that they can get it done once I’m gone.”
Häcken are based in Gothenburg which is the second-largest city in Sweden and situated on the west coast of the country.
Holmes discussed what she knows about her new team.
“I don’t know a whole lot about the city but I’ve heard some really good things and the team won the first division last year,” she said.
“So I know I’ll be coming into a really strong squad with a really amazing coach and good facilities so I’m really excited and ready to test myself.”
The central midfielder, who has scored three goals in 40 games for the Reds across both spells, said she still harbours ambitions of returning to represent United during her offseason.
“Hopefully if it lines up with the W-League I would love to come back and play in the Swedish offseason,” she continued.
“So I definitely would love to be back in Adelaide next year.”
Next match details:
Game date: Saturday, 6 March vs Sydney FC Women
Westfield W-League 2020/21 – Round 11
Kick-off 6.35pm ACDT
Gates open 5.35pm ACDT
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
