Malik was scheduled to arrive in Adelaide at the end of the current  A-League campaign after signing with the club back in December.

But  with Fyfe now heading to Korean club Busan I’Park at the end of the month, Adelaide United asked Fury about Malik getting an early release and the Townsville club agreed.

“It’s fantastic that Osama can join us now and be part of our squad,” coach Rini Coolen said.

“We want to sincerely thank North Queensland Fury for allowing Osama to come here early, without their cooperation this could not have happened.”

Fury Football Operations Manager, Robbie Middleby added: “Osama has been an excellent ambassador for North Queensland Fury.

"With the club building for the future during our remaining matches, we felt we couldn’t block Osama’s request for an early release enabling him to play in the finals for Adelaide.

“Osama is an exceptional footballing talent and a real gentleman.  He has endeared himself to everyone associated with the club and will be sorely missed.”

Osama Malik admitted the move was a tough call to make and he will miss life in the Far North.

“This was a very difficult decision to make," he said. "I truly love this club and have made a lot of lifelong friends both on and off the field here in North Queensland.

“It’s disappointing that we weren’t able to achieve our objective of making the top 6, but I think it’s great the club is giving players the opportunity to impress for contracts ahead of next season. 

“When this option arose to join Adelaide United earlier than expected, I was torn by what to do.  But to have the chance to play in this season’s Finals Series was something I couldn’t turn down.

“I’d like to thank Rabieh (Krayem), Franz (Straka) and Robbie (Middleby) for their support in allowing this to happen and wish the club and its supporters all the very best for the future."

The 20 year old midfielder will come to Adelaide on the back of 15 starts in 17 appearances for Fury this season, having developed into a more than capable defender. Malik is expected to arrive in Adelaide tonight before training with the Reds for the first time on Tuesday.

Adelaide United’s next match is against North Queensland at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night, although Coolen declared Malik would not be considered for selection until the Reds’ following encounter against Central Coast Mariners on January 29.

Malik’s availability provides Coolen with another welcome option at the back, particularly with the gap left by Fyfe’s departure for Korea at the end of January and with Daniel Mullen sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The club is also exploring the possibility of signing another defender in the near future to add further depth to the squad.