Reds sign Argentine midfielder

Carrusca, who also holds a Portuguese passport, played for San Martín de San Juan in the Argentine Primera División last season and featured his last competitive match in the side's recent 1st Division play-off against Rosario Central.

Marcelo Carrusca in action:

Carrusca is a product of Estudiantes de La Plata's youth system, making 135 senior appearances for the club.

In 2006 he signed for Turkey glamour club Galatasaray, where he featured in two UEFA Champions League games and two UEFA Cup matches before being loaned to Mexican Primera División heavyweight Cruz Azul in 2008.

Carrusca also represented Argentina at U-20 level, having competed at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Adelaide United Football Director Michael Petrillo is excited by what the midfielder will bring to the club.

“All of our reports have indicated that Marcelo is a high quality player and individual,” Petrillo said.

“We are extremely pleased to have a player of this quality agree to terms with our club. He is a player who has played at some big clubs around the world and comes at a great time in his career.”

“At 28 years of age he will also bring experience gained over many years in top flight football such as the European Champions League, UEFA Cup as well as Copa Libertadores and Copa Sud Americana.”

“He ticks all the boxes that John Kosmina has been looking for in the type of player he wants and we are expecting him to not only add some real quality to our play but he is also an exciting type of player that not only our fans but football fans in general will want to see in the A-League.”

Provided Carrusca passes his medical at the Reds, his paperwork will be lodged in a bid to secure his international clearance and visa to register him in time for the AFC Champions League Knockout Stage.