Burns is off to Greece after The Reds agreed to transfer the talented forward to AEK Athens, one of the leading clubs in Greece’s premier competition, the Greek Super League.

Adelaide United CEO Sam Ciccarello said, “The club has agreed on terms to release Nathan to AEK Athens.

"Nathan has been keen for sometime to look at overseas opportunities and whilst we made every effort to hold onto him with a very strong offer through the recently introduced under 23 marquee player scheme, we respect and support Nathan’s desire to compete in a European league and he most certainly goes with our very best wishes.

“It has been wonderful for the club to have brought Nathan to Adelaide and to have been a key to his professional personal development over the past couple of years.

"We know that Nathan is a great talent and feel that he has a big future in front of him.”

Burns is currently in Athens for the announcement and if all of the paper work is completed, it could see him join his new club by July 1, 2008. AEK Athens finished second in the Greek Super League last season, two points behind champions Olympiacos.

The 20 year old made a total of 54 appearances and scored 11 goals for Adelaide United FC (35 appearances and 9 goals in the Hyundai A-League).

He was the club’s equal leading scorer in the Hyundai A-League 2006/07 Season, scored the first ever hat trick for the club and is also a capped Qantas Socceroo, having made his debut in 2007 against Singapore after coming on as a second half substitute.

Burns is scheduled to arrive back in Adelaide on Thursday 12 June. Burns’ departure to play in Europe follows former United team mate Bruce Djite’s move to a European club, Djite having signed with Turkish side Genclerbirligi.


Nathan Burns

DOB 7-May-1988

Place of Birth Blayney, NSW

Position Striker

Height 175cm

Weight 71kg



Club History

2006-2008 Adelaide United FC

2006 AIS

2005 Parramatta Eagles (NSW State League)

2003-2004 NSW Institute of Sport

2002 Country NSW U/14-16



Adelaide United FC Appearances

Hyundai A-League 35 (9 goals)

TOTAL 54 (11 goals)



Hyundai A-League Debut Appearance:

v Melbourne Victory (L0-2), Olympic Park, 25 August 2006



Hyundai A-League Debut Goal:

v Sydney FC (L1-4), Hindmarsh Stadium, 2 October 2006



Representative Honours

Qantas Socceroos, Qantas Under 23s, Qantas Young Socceroos, Qantas Joeys



Institutes & Academies

NSWIS, AIS



Major Honours

2007 Pre-Season Cup Champions (Adelaide United FC)

2006/07 FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year

2006/07 Adelaide United FC Equal leading goal scorer (6)

2006/07 Adelaide United FC Rising Star award

2006/07 Scored Adelaide United first ever hat trick (v Central Coast Mariners, 21 Jan 2007)

2006 Pre-Season Cup Champions (Adelaide United FC)

2005 FIFA Under 17’s World Championships in Peru