The Ivory Coast-born midfielder came off contract with the troubled Knights at the close of the 2006/07 season and was then snapped up by Sydney FC as a replacement for the injured Terry McFlynn for the second leg of the A-League semi finals.

Salley, who will start training with the grand finalists in June, is happy with the move.

"I played two games in Adelaide against The Reds last season and I loved the stadium and the crowd and I look forward to putting on the red shirt of Adelaide United," said the 25-year-old midfielder.

"I’ve heard a lot about Aurelio Vidmar as a coach and the style he likes to play and I look forward to working with him in the new Hyundai A-League season."