Le Fondre Set for Big Second Season

As Sydney FC prepare for the new A-League season, star striker Adam Le Fondre will be looking for another prolific campaign for the Sky Blues. The Englishman made an explosive start to life in Australia following his move last year, ending the season as the second-highest goalscorer in the A-League, with Wellington’s Roy Krishna the only player to score more. Scoring 16 goals in the league and 21 in all competitions, Le Fondre will know he’ll be a marked man by many a defender in his second year in Australia. 

The 32-year old established himself as a regular goalscorer in the lower leagues of English football, representing clubs such as Bolton, Reading, Rotherham, and Cardiff. There were a number of English clubs keen on signing the striker before his move Down Under, but Le Fondre took the decision to move himself and his family to Australia for a new adventure. And it’s fair to say it couldn’t have gone much better, reaching two finals, winning the big one, with the striker ending the season as the club’s top scorer. 

It’s no surprise Sydney are being tipped by many as the favourites to defend their crown this season. Priced at around 4/1 with the latest A-League betting odds, Sydney and Perth are the early frontrunners from a betting point of view, although both Melbourne clubs will have something to say about that when the campaign gets underway. As we’ve seen in recent years, though, it’s never wise to assume anything in this league.

In Sydney’s favour is a goalscorer capable of scoring 20+ goals this year – and Le Fondre will be key to the Sky Blues hopes. To add to their firepower this season, Sydney have also brought in New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses, who has proven himself to be one of the most consistent goalscorers in the A-League since returning to from an unsuccessful stint in Europe. 

Coming off his most productive season in front of goal, scoring 13 league goals for Melbourne Victory last year, Barbarouses will now be tasked with ensuring Le Fondre isn’t left with the sole responsibility of scoring every week. The Kiwi is one of a number of smart signings made by the Sky Blues, with a number of players leaving during a busy offseason. 

As well as Barbarouses, Sydney have added experienced Socceroo Ryan McGowan and midfielder Luke Brattan. While their rivals may have brought in higher-profile players, Sydney have been very smart in their recruitment during the offseason, although there will be some concern should the squad be hit by injuries. A lot can happen over the course of a season and Sydney won’t want to be left light at any point due to a lack of signings.

This squad will have learned a lot from last season and knows what it takes to not only get through a campaign but to also finish strong. With the addition of even more experience over the offseason, this is a Sydney team that ticks every box except, possibly, squad depth.