The Newcastle Jets can announce that Andrew Nabbout will depart the club this week, as he takes up a contract offer from J-League heavyweights, the Urawa Red Diamonds.
The Red Diamonds have triggered a clause in Nabbout’s contract, offering the Newcastle Jets a significant transfer fee to secure the services of the in-form winger during their transfer window.
The official offer from Urawa was received shortly after the Jets 2 – 1 victory over Sydney FC.
The bustling winger joined the Jets in the 2016/17 season of the Hyundai A-League under then coach, Mark Jones after being plucked from the Malaysian Super League.
Nabbout quickly became a crowd favourite, securing the club’s Golden Boot Award in his inaugural season in Newcastle.
Jets’ CEO, Lawrie McKinna said that the opportunity was a well-deserved one.
“Andrew has been tremendous for us over the last two seasons, both on and off the pitch,” said McKinna.
“Throughout this whole process both he and his management have done the right thing by the club, and it speaks volumes for the sort of character that Andrew is.
‘He’s been a pleasure to work with, he’s a wonderful young man who has been an excellent ambassador for this club and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Jets’ Head Coach, Ernie Merrick said the move overseas was built off Nabbout’s tireless approach to improving his game.
“The Red Diamonds are one of the biggest clubs in Asia and this transfer is testimony to how well Andrew is playing at the moment,” said Merrick.
“The transformation that I’ve seen from Andrew since arriving at the club has been nothing short of spectacular, he’s a really coachable player, with a willingness to learn and a hunger to improve as a footballer.
“He arrived at the club last season and had a strong year, but he has raised the bar once again and you can see through the form he’s been in as well as some of the amazing goals he’s scored in recent weeks.
“I have no doubt he’ll grab this opportunity with both hands and we wish him the very best with the move.”
Nabbout, fresh off scoring a spectacular winner over Sydney FC wanted to thank the Newcastle fans for their support during his time in the Hunter.
“I think Saturday night (against Sydney FC) speaks volumes for our supporters and the way they’ve got behind the team,” said Nabbout.
“I’ve loved my time in Newcastle and it’s been an absolute honour to represent the town and the fans, who have stood by us through thick and thin.
“It’s a bittersweet moment to be leaving, we’ve got a great group of lads here and I’m loving my football, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass up – it’s something I’ve worked for for such a long time.
“This club has given me so much and I’ll be forever indebted to the people of Newcastle.
“I’ll certainly be keeping my eye on things from afar and cheering on the boys on as the push on to the finals.”
