Macarthur South West Sydney director Sam Krslovic says he will “have a discussion” with Mile Jedinak, as the Aston Villa midfielder “ticks all the boxes”. Jedinak has an uncertain future at Villa Park with his contract expiring next summer. With stiff competition from John McGinn, Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and Birkir Bjarnason, Jedinak may struggle for playing time.
He was a regular in the first-team under Steve Bruce for the first two months of the season but has been an unused substitute since Dean Smith was appointed manager in October and could consider a return to Australia as a result. Jedinak was born in Sydney and played for Sydney United before leaving the A-League to join the Turkish Super Lig.
Krslovic said in an Australian A-League press conference: “Mile and I go back a long way. The chances of him coming back are strengthened by this bid. He’s out of contract [at Aston Villa] at the end of June, so we’re allowed to discuss with him post January. We’ll have a discussion and see where he fits. (He) ticks all the boxes.
“(Jedinak) grew up in the area, he played in the area, he’s from the area, he captained the Socceroos, won the Asian Cup as captain and went to World Cups. He would set what the club is about. We’re about giving local players an opportunity, people from the area something to aspire to, both men and women.”
If Smith can’t promise Jedinak many first-team opportunities this season, he may well consider making the switch to Macarthur South West Sydney.
The 34-year-old, who has made 71 appearances in all competitions since his 2016-move from Crystal Palace, is unlikely to get a contract extension to keep him at Villa Park past next summer so Krslovic is hoping his existing relationship with Jedinak can lead to the pair renewing acquaintances.
