Australian trio sign for Utrecht

Brisbane Roar trio Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota have signed contracts with Dutch Eredivisie outfit FC Utrecht, the Australian A-League club said on Friday.

The two clubs reached agreement on terms this week after the players spent two weeks training with FC Utrecht.

Brisbane Roar chief executive Peter McLennan said the club was disappointed to have lost three talented youngsters, but acknowledged their desire to further their careers in Europe.

“You can’t help but be disappointed to lose three young players who have the undoubted potential of Tommy, Michael and Adam,” McLennan said.

“However, for the Brisbane Roar this is tempered by the knowledge we have provided each of them with the platform to potentially become the next generation of Socceroos.”

Oar and Zullo made their Socceroos debuts in the past 12 months, while Sarota this season stepped up to the A-League after being recognised as the National Youth League’s best player in the 2008-2009 season.

Roar said Sarota and Zullo had signed a three-year deal with the Dutch Eredivisie club, while Oar had agreed to a contract for five seasons.

Officials said the financial details of the agreement between Brisbane Roar and FC Utrecht would remain confidential.