‘We admire the player he is’: Macarthur boss on Caceres links

After an A-League Men season defined by their player sales in January, Macarthur FC are wasting no time finding reinforcements for an extended match schedule in 25/26 with the AFC Champions League Two, potentially including Anthony Caceres.

Jed Drew, Oliver Jones, Ariath Piol, and club captain Valère Germain all departed; leaving some massive holes in the side that need filling if the Bulls wish to compete across two competitions next season.

Anthony Caceres is one player that the Bulls are keen to replenish their squad with, having reportedly rejected an initial contract extension offer from Sydney FC, according to News Corp’s Marco Monteverde.

Speaking exclusively to Round Ball Australia, Macarthur coach Mile Sterjovski was full of praise for the Sydney FC midfielder.

“We all know he’s had a great few seasons at Sydney FC. We can all see his qualities,” Sterjovski said.

“He’s been rewarded by playing with the Socceroos as well [and] he’s a great player, but at the moment there is nothing concrete. We can’t really comment further.

“What I will say is that we admire the player he is.”

A move for Caceres to Macarthur would see him link-up once again with Luke Brattan, who arrived at the club prior to the 2024/25 season.

Brattan had a strong season for Macarthur, and took over as captain following Germain’s departure, with Sterjovski saying the club brought him in because they needed a leader who knows what it takes to win things.

It was a move that paid dividends, with the midfielder having a strong Australia Cup campaign as Macarthur won the trophy and booked its place into Asia for the next campaign.

The club is also still negotiating with Marin Jakoliš, with Sterjovski hopeful of a positive outcome and that they will retain their star forward.

One player who Sterjovski is less hopeful of retaining is out of contract midfielder Jake Hollman.

The 23-year-old has been an integral part of the squad under Sterjovski, and has been with the club since it launched, after moving over from Sydney FC.

The Macarthur coach said that the club wants to keep him, but that he thinks Hollman has decided to leave the club to try and pursue something overseas.

“He’s had a great run with us. I think he’s developed into a great player,” Sterjovski said.

“We don’t want to stand in people’s way. I’m very happy for him if he does get something overseas.

“I’m very proud of him for everything he’s done for the club. He’s been here since day one and been through the ups and downs and the success we’ve had with the Australia Cup a couple of times.”