Hiroshi Ibusuki will spearhead an electric Western United attack in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men after the striker put pen to paper on a landmark two-year deal to join the Green and Black.
The Japanese ace was one of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s top marksmen this season, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances for Adelaide United.
That total was the fourth highest in the league and helped Ibusuki to a sweep of the honours at Adelaide’s awards night last week – Golden Boot, Players’ Player and Members’ Player of the Year gongs completing his collection.
Towering at 195cm (6’5”) tall, Ibusuki combines elite strength and aerial prowess with grace in possession and one of the deadliest finishing repertoires in the competition.
Now set to wow the Green and Black fans at Ironbark Fields, Ibusuki will be at the forefront of a young, dynamic attacking core including Olyroo Noah Botic and Abel Walatee, who recently signed his first professional deal.
Ahead of crossing over Victoria’s western border, Ibusuki said he is itching to get to work with his new teammates and fire up the crowd in Tarneit.
“I’m really honoured to join the Western United family. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best,” he said.
“I cannot wait to play at the new stadium in front of the Western United fans.
“I feel we have a great team. To get success, we just have to work hard and help each other. I hope we can be successful at the end of the season.”
Western United head coach John Aloisi is thrilled to add one of the Isuzu UTE A-League’s best attackers to his line-up.
“I am ecstatic to welcome Hiroshi to our Club and can’t wait to see him fitting in with the team in pre-season training,” he said.
“His quality is going to be a huge addition to our group. His class in the box, whether the ball is in the air or on the floor, will add a new dimension to our play in the final third.
“We are eager to see his impact on the group and I’m sure our fans will be itching to see him in action in Tarneit next season.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato added his anticipation of seeing Ibusuki bring his experience and skillset alongside the side’s young stars.
“Hiroshi joins the Club as one of the A-League Men’s in-form talismans and will add presence and quality to complement our young, dynamic and energetic squad,” he said.
Ibusuki adds to a strong Japanese contingent at Western United with Tomoki Imai and Riku Danzaki now his teammates.
Across over 400 senior matches, Ibusuki’s resume includes time at Spanish heavyweights Sevilla and Valencia as well as over 60 appearances in J1 League in his homeland.
With 28 goals in 71 appearances overall in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Ibusuki will have his sights set on adding to his career totals in the Green and Black next season.
