Tom Glover and Aiden O’Neill, both members of Melbourne City FC’s history-making A-League Men’s squad over the past three years, are set to depart the Club in search of opportunities in Europe.
Glover, who joined City in 2019 from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was a key part of the Club’s history-making run of three consecutive Premierships, missing just three matches in that time.
After showing impressive form at City this season, Glover was recently rewarded with a maiden Socceroos call-up, last week named in Graham Arnold’s squad to take on World Cup winners Argentina in Beijing next Thursday night.
O’Neill, who also joined City from the English Premier League, made the move to Melbourne from Burnley FC prior to the 2020/21 season.
Despite missing a number of games through injury in his first two seasons at the Club, O’Neill quickly cemented himself as a vital cog in the City line-up.
He took his game to another level in 2022/23 as the heartbeat of the City midfield, finding the back of the net four times and working tirelessly in defence week in and week out.
In March, his strong form for City saw him earn a Socceroos debut against Ecuador.
O’Neill will have the chance to add to his two international caps on Thursday night when the Socceroos face Argentina.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said:
“We obviously wanted to keep Aiden and Tom at the club, however, both were clear in their ambitions to move to Europe.
“Aiden and Tom arrived here as young players trying to re-establish their careers, so to have played an important role in their development into elite A-League Men’s players, and now Socceroos, fills us with enormous pride.
“Given their character and ability, I have no doubt that they will continue to enhance their careers overseas and we look forward to watching their progress in the years to come”.
Reflecting on his time at Melbourne City, Tom Glover said:
“I’ve loved playing at the Club, but the time has now come for me to take the next step in my career.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities that City has given me to play senior football and to help me in my development on the pitch as a player, and off the pitch as a person.
“It’s been special to be part of such a successful group and I’ll never forget the memories of the past few years, but lifting four pieces of silverware in front of our amazing fans will always be the highlight.
“While I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Club; so, whether it’s to the coaching staff, the support staff, my teammates, or the fans, I just want to say thank-you.
Aiden O’Neill added:
“Melbourne City has been my home for the past three years and has brought me so many great memories.
“It has been an honour to be part of such a great group of players and people. I can’t thank the coaching staff and the wider team enough for all they’ve done to help me become the player I am today.
“The memories of lifting four trophies at AAMI Park will stay with me forever and I can’t thank the City fans enough for all of their support over the past few seasons.
“I’m excited for what’s next but Melbourne City will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to cheering the boys on from afar in the future.”
Everyone at Melbourne City would like to thank Tom and Aiden for their immense contributions to both the Club and the wider community over the past four years. We wish them all the very best for the next step in their careers!
