Coolen has been impressed by Malik’s 15 performances for Fury so far this season, particularly his versatility, which has seen Malik play key roles in defence along with his more familiar positions in midfield.

“He is young, he’s a player we can develop, he can play in several positions like the back line where he playing at the moment with the Fury, but he can also play in the midfield, so that is something good,” Coolen said.

“He’s a talented player and another benefit is, although it is definitely not the main reason we signed him, is that he’s also an Adelaide boy, so that tops it off.”

Malik, whose father heralds from Sudan, received his big break when he was selected in Adelaide United’s 2008/9 youth squad after being signed from local South Australian club Raiders.

Fine performances in the Reds’ Youth Team led to him joining United’s senior squad for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, where he made his debut appearance in a 13 minute cameo against J-League giants Gamba Osaka.

Selection for the Qantas Young Socceroos followed the following year before he chose to sign with North Queensland.

The announcement of Malik’s signing to Adelaide United from next season comes as the Reds prepare to take on Fury at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.

Despite the timing, Coolen believes these situations have just become part of the game and he does not expect Malik to treat Friday night any differently than if he was playing against another Hyundai A-League team.

“That’s something that can happen, that’s football and we know that we’ve signed him for next year,” Coolen said.

“It’s better to announce it when you have a deal with a player, why should you keep it quiet. That’s the way it is sometimes, all clubs have to handle it and that’s up to Osama and the club how they handle that, but that happens in football.”  

Fury's very existence next season remains in doubt with the FFA yet to decide if they will continue to bankroll the club until a community ownership model takes over.

The club is still banned from re-signing players for next season.

Osama Malik said he was grateful to Fury for giving him his chances and hoped it would survive but said he needed to move to further his career.

“I love Fury," he insisted. "It has been a privilege to be part of this club and I truly hope Fury will be around for years to come – the A-League needs them if they want to develop and grow the sport.

“Like so many in this squad, Fury gave me an opportunity to play regular first team football and without that chance, I may not have reached the level I’m at today.

“Not many players get the chance to represent the club they grew up supporting and with the 2012 Olympics not far away and Adelaide United pushing for Asian Champions League qualification again, I believe this move will help me reach my career goals.

“It will be very sad to leave at the end of the season.  The club and its supporters have been like an extended family to me and I will continue to give my all until our season ends.”

Fury Football Operations Manager, Robbie Middleby added:  “Osama is one of the most talented young footballers in the country and has a massive career ahead of him. 

"I’ve had the privilege of playing and working with him over the past two seasons and it would be very hard to find a more professional player in the League.

“As an athlete, he embodies everything you would want in a modern day footballer and as a clubman, they simply don’t come much better or more liked than Osama.

“Fury’s loss is definitely Adelaide’s gain and he will leave the club with the best wishes of everyone associated with Fury."

Fury Chief Executive, Rabieh Krayem echoed those sentiments but said he hoped Fury's role in developinbg young stars like Malik would be remembered.

“All clubs in the A-League have a duty to help produce, develop and nurture the future stars of Australian football," he said. 

"Since its inception and particularly this season, the Fury have recruited what we believe to be the best young talent throughout Australia and have given them a platform in which to learn and grow.

“Although we may not be at the top of the ladder, we must be doing something right for so many clubs to be courting our players."

He added: “Osama is a player we did not want to ever see leave  Fury. 

"He is a crowd favourite and an extremely talented footballer, but in light of our current situation, we can’t hold players back from securing their futures.

“This has been a difficult decision for Osama but he will leave knowing he has our full support.”