Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold has re-affirmed his desire to retain marquee Marc Janko for next season after the club offered the Austrian a new deal.
Arnold said he was hopeful Janko would accept the deal put forward and praised the striker’s efforts this season.
The 31 year old leads the A-League golden boot charts with 16 goals, including 12 in an eight game period.
“That’s the idea [to have him here next year],” Arnold said.
“Marc has performed exceptionally well, he’s very happy here at Sydney FC, we have to budget like all clubs do but we’re very hopeful Marc will accept the deal that’s put forward to him.
“He’s a player outside the cap. I’ve made it clear to Marc in my terms anyway that I really want him to stay.
“He’s fit perfectly into the group and he’s done exceptionally well so therefore it’s down to Marc and his fiancé to decide what their future is.”
Arnold is also hopeful of retaining other players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, with young winger Bernie Ibini one of the off-contract players he wants for the future.
“He [Ibini] is still owned by a club in China, fortunately the coach over there already has their foreigners, “Arnold said.
“Bernie is probably excess to the requirements on foreigners so we’re hoping we can come to a quick settlement. It’s just a matter of getting in contact with them and seeing if we can work things out.
“For me Bernie has been fantastic the whole year. He’s come along exceptionally well this year. I think his game has gone to another level and the aim is to take it to one more level beyond that.
“We’ve got a few boys off contract but it’s what we can provide them at Sydney FC that will attract them to stay here,” he continued.
“We give them extra things that other clubs can’t give them, give them all the one percenters that other clubs can’t give. They want to be at the biggest club so we’re confident they’ll stay.”
Sydney FC travel to take on the Newcastle Jets on Friday night at Hunter Stadium with two games remaining in the regular season. Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for LIVE match updates or catch the game on SBS ONE and Fox Sports 4.
Sydney FC’s night of nights, the Sky Blue Ball, is on sale now! Click here to download the booking form and RSVP to corporatersvp@sydneyfc.com or call 8314 5100.
