ADELAIDE United made history on Friday morning as it announced the return of former Gawler Eagles junior Riley McGree on a three-year contract.
The 20-year-old’s transfer from Belgian giant Club Brugge was the first time the Reds had spent a transfer fee on a player, making him the most expensive recruit in the club’s 16-year history.
McGree had spent the past two seasons on loan from Club Brugge at Newcastle and most recently Melbourne City, but he said he’s delighted to be back in Adelaide.
“It’s a great feeling coming back home, I can’t wait to play in front of the home fans,” he said.
“I think age is on my side, I’m still young and I want to make the most of my time.
“I want to use this season to put my foot down and show what I’m capable of.
“I’ve jumped around a few places here and there, but it’s good to know I’ll be here for a little while.”
The attacking midfielder shot to worldwide fame in 2018 when he scored a ‘scorpion kick’ in the Jets’ semi-final win over Melbourne City, and was nominated for the Puskas Award for the best goal in the world for the year.
Despite that and a golden boot award at City under his belt, Mc-Gree isn’t worried about the expectations that come with re-signing with the Reds.
“I don’t feel too much pressure in that sense, I’m proud of what I’ve done so far,” he said.
McGree is recently-appointed United manager Gertjan Verbeek’s first signing, and added he’s eager to play under the Dutchman.
“He seems to want to play an attacking, free-flowing brand of football,” he said.
“I think that’ll suit me, I want to get forward and score goals, and play good football for the fans.”
Adelaide United director of football Bruce Djite said McGree’s recruitment is a statement to the rest of the A-League.
“We’re extremely excited to get a player of Riley’s calibre back to the club,” he said.
“The chairman has given me the backing to actually buy a player…I don’t think the club has actually purchased a player before.
“We’ve forked out some euros, and I’m sure it’ll be money well spent.
However, Djite is still eager to see McGree have another crack overseas at some point.
“Riley’s a fantastic talent, and I know it’s his first day here, but I don’t want to see him here in five years; I hope he does really well and gets his shot to go back to Europe,” he said.
United’s first game in action of the new season will be in the FFA Cup in Sunshine North, Victoria, as it takes on Melbourne Knights FC in the Round of 32.