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Mile Jedinak could return to A-League after Aston Villa career ends

By Josh Tonti

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 26: Captain, Mile Jedinak of Australia looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between Australia and Peru at Fisht Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 26: Captain, Mile Jedinak of Australia looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between Australia and Peru at Fisht Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa’s 34-year old midfielder-turned-defender entered discussions to join potential A-League expansion side based in Macarthur-South West Sydney. The former Socceroos’ skipper’s contract runs out in the summer; he is free to enter contract discussions in January.

Mile Jedinak is in Year 3 of a 3-year deal he signed under Dr. Tony Xia in the summer of 2016. After stewarding Aston Villa ably on the pitch, it looks as though this will be his final season in the claret and blue.

A reserve defensive midfielder and centre-back, Jedinak is free to enter contract discussions in the coming months as a soon-to-be free agent. According to reports out of Australia, it looks as though he will be returning to his native country. Jedinak could be returning to the A-League as soon as next season once an expansion bid for Macarthur-South West Sydney is approved on December 12th.

The club’s hierarchy, with whom Jedinak has history with, plan to make Villa’s aerial prowler their first club captain. Before Jedinak “broke out” in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, he began his professional career in the A-League with South Coast United and Central Coast Mariners from 2005-2009.

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Jedi went on to captain Australia in 2014 as he led the nation through two World Cup cycles – Brazil, and Russia this previous summer. His 20 goals from a defensive midfield position provided incredible value in 79 caps.

Jedinak retired from international duty just a few months ago. Australia embark on the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in early January. The tournament takes place in the United Arab Emirates and the Socceroos drew Jordan, Palestine, and Syria in Group B.

In the meantime, it is expected Jedinak will continue under his normal role at Aston Villa. He has yet to be called upon under new manager Dean Smith, but that time could come after injuries to James Chester, Birkir Bjarnason and John McGinn.

Jedinak has two goals in 66 total appearances for Aston Villa these last 2.5 years.

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