Perth Glory captain Adam Taggart is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club just three months after signing a new contract. The striker, who recently penned a one-year deal on May 29, is expected to join Hanoi FC in Vietnam, where he would play under the management of former Socceroos star Harry Kewell.

Mutual Decision for Departure

Despite initial reports suggesting that Taggart was informed he was no longer needed at Perth Glory, the club has denied these claims. Stan Lazaridis, the club's football director, emphasized that it would have been inappropriate to prevent Taggart from accepting a lucrative offer. "With a big offer having been tabled for him personally and in the light of the outstanding service that he has given Perth Glory both on and off the pitch, it would have been wrong for us as a club to stand in his way," Lazaridis stated. He added that the decision to part ways was mutual and amicable, reinforcing Taggart's legacy at the club.

Impact on the Club and Fans

Taggart's potential departure is likely to come as a shock to Glory supporters, especially given his status as a fan favorite and his recent re-signing. The 33-year-old forward has scored 61 goals for the club, making him the all-time leading scorer for Perth Glory in the A-League era. He has previously expressed a desire to lead the team to title success, stating that it would be a disaster to end his career without achieving that goal. In a statement, Taggart acknowledged his love for the club and expressed gratitude for the support he has received, while also looking forward to seeing younger players step up in his absence.

Taggart's exit follows a challenging period for Perth Glory, which has faced scrutiny over late payments to players and staff. The Professional Footballers Australia organization criticized the club for these issues, which have raised concerns about its financial stability. As Taggart prepares for his move, the club will need to navigate these challenges while looking to the future.