Adelaide United can confirm that midfielder Stefan Mauk has departed the Club on a loan deal to an overseas side in Vietnam, pending completion of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and a medical.

The loan will run through to the end of the 2025/26 season and includes an option to buy. The Club has received an undisclosed fee as part of the arrangement.

Mauk, who made a request to explore the opportunity, travelled to his new club immediately following last night’s Australia Cup Round of 32 match against Newcastle Jets – a game in which he scored his 26th goal for the Reds in his 107th appearance.

The 29-year-old grew up in Adelaide and has been a strong figure for the Reds across three spells, including his contribution to the historic 2015/16 Premiership and Championship-winning campaign.

Stefan remains contracted with Adelaide United until the end of the 2026/27 season.

In a farewell message to fans, Mauk said:

“This opportunity for me and my family was too good to turn down. I’m excited for this new challenge but I’m sad to be leaving. I felt like this was the best move for my career. I was always so proud to wear the Adelaide United shirt. I grew up watching this club, and it will always be my club.

Without you fans, we have no club. Keep turning up – the players need you and feel your support. Thank you, and hopefully I’ll see you soon.”

Adelaide United Technical Director, Ernest Faber, added:

“Stefan has given so much to this football club both on and off the pitch, and we understand and fully support his decision to pursue this opportunity for him and his family.

While we’ll miss his leadership and experience, his departure also creates space for new players to step in and make their mark. We’re working diligently behind the scenes on our recruitment strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of what is a long pre-season.

We wish Stefan all the best and thank him for his incredible contribution to Adelaide United.”

Everyone at Adelaide United wishes Stefan and his family all the very best in this next chapter of his career.