Melbourne City FC is excited to announce that talented Academy duo, Emin Durakovic and Arion Sulemani, have signed three-year deals that will keep them at the Club until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.
Currently two of the most highly rated prospects coming through the Melbourne City Academy system, both have bright futures ahead and have continued to impress both on and off the pitch.
Durakovic recently returned to Melbourne from international duty having represented the Australia U18s against Portugal, England and Norway – starting two of those matches and assisting one goal against the Three Lions.
While yet to make his senior debut, the 17-year-old was named on the bench for City’s A-League Men’s side against Sydney FC in Round 18 and has continued to be one of the standout NPL performers.
With a number of midfield regulars having departed the club ahead of the 2023/24 season, Durakovic will be looking to continue to impress and hoping to earn a senior debut for City.
Suffering a season-ending ACL injury at the most unfortunate time, Sulemani continues to progress well in his rehab and is expected to be back to full fitness early in the new season.
Coming off the back of a fourth-placed finish in the 2022 NPL3 Golden Boot, which helped City secure promotion, the now 18-year-old had been on the verge of making his senior debut before suffering the injury.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said:
“Emin and Arion both have the attributes to become regular members of our senior squad.
“They have the right mentality, technical qualities and desire to be City players. Unfortunately, both have had recent setbacks with injuries but are now making great progress.
“With their attitude and commitment to be the best they can, we are very much looking forward to see their development over the next couple of seasons.”
