Alex Gersbach

[2mas]

Sydney FC have confirmed rising star Alex Gersbach is headed to Europe with the defender set to join Norwegian club Rosenborg BK.

The Sky Blues issued a release on Sunday night confirming the Olyroo left back was leaving Moore Park to pursue his dream of playing in Europe.

The 18-year-old will depart on Monday and is expected to undergo a medical on Tuesday before signing for the Tippeligaen club for an undisclosed fee.

Read more: Sydney FC's Gersbach exits for Europe

"The chances I've been given at Sydney FC have undoubtedly helped me improve as a player and presented me with this wonderful opportunity which lies ahead. I am very grateful for that.

"I've had a great two years with an exceptional group of players and coaching and medical staff, and it has been an honour to represent this club and its fantastic supporters.

"I am hugely excited about the next stage in my career and i wish the club every success in the future. I will always be a Sydney FC supporter at heart."

Read more: Sydney FC Youngster Alex Gersbach Transfers To Europe

The deal is thought to have netted the Sky Blues a sizeable transfer fee, as well as a significant sell-on clause should he move to a bigger club in Europe. Although a significant blow to the club's championship aspirations this season, the deal ensures Sydney won't lose their most promising young player for nothing when his contract expires in June.

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Gersbach was expected to make the move to Danish club Aarhus during this window, with a $500,000 fee speculated in some reports.

The fee agreed with the Norwegian club is much lower than that but Gersbach will head to Norway's Tippeligaen, a well-regarded league for the development of young players. It is noted for being somewhat more physical than other leagues in Scandinavia.

Read more: Sydney FC sell star left-back Alex Gersbach to Norwegian club

Alex is a left full back who joined Sydney FC’s Foxtel National Youth League squad in the 2014/15 season from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). He began his career playing junior football with the Miranda Magpies and the Sutherland Sharks at ages under 11 to under 14. From there he went to the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) or a year where he worked under the eye of former Sydney FC Head Coach Ian Crook.

He spent two years at the AIS, won the Players’ Player of the Year in season 2013/14 and made his Hyundai A-League debut in round one of the 2014/15 season. Gersbach made a total of 21 Hyundai A-League apperances in his debut season and will be looking to impress again in season 2015/16.

Read more: Alex Gersbach

The transfer fee is said to be 300,000 AUD or 1.8M NOK.

Gersbach by the way replaced trialist Brad Smith at the U23 national team. Australia however failed at the AFC U23 Championship this January and did not qualify for the Olympics in Rio.

[2mas]

Champions League football perhaps beckons for Gersbach after Rosenberg won the Norwegian league by 12 points and the Sutherland Sharks junior expects it will take some time to get used to his new life in Scandinavia.

“Yeah of course it will take a bit of time to adjust to life over there,” he said.

“The weather, the people, the language all those things like that. There is plenty of things to think about and it’s going to take a while to adjust but hopefully football will help me to do that as quickly as possible.

“They are a massive club, they are a big European club, I’ve done a fair bit of research and obviously I’ll get to know more about them once I get there and do my medical.

“But I’m really looking forward to it.”

Read more: Gersbach: I can't wait to get stuck in

He will be presented tomorrow.

[RedshirtWilly]

He has been one of the more impressive young kids in the A-League this season, albeit in a very boring team with a defensive mindset. Not many in Aus know the Scandanavian leagues that much so it's not clear how he'll go. Our success stories have played regularly for Club Brugge, Roda JC, Ingolstadt etc. so not top flight clubs but decent enough.

Really hope he does well for Rosenborg and hope you guys enjoy his contribution

[Fusion]

Really excited for this kid. Think he'll do great stuff.

[2mas]

The first video interviews: RBK, NRK and Adressa.

Seems like a good lad. Well-spoken and polite, as we viking bastards are used to. If he delievers as good on the pitch as off, this will be great.

[Zorac]

[Draghaug]

Wasn't it MFK who used Zane as a right winger- without too much success? His career didn't really hit off before he moved to LSK, where they used him as a striker.
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Bjørn Otto Bragstad, 4-3-3 og hopprenn i Granåsen

[2mas]

The feedback from coach Kare Hedley Ingebrigtsen has been positive for Gersbach, who has been given the freedom to make his trademark slalom runs forward and whip over his tantalising crosses.

“The style is the very similar to way most A-League teams play … a lot of emphasis on going forward and attacking teams, so it’s pretty familiar,” Gersbach said. “The aim is to be involved with the first team and hit the ground running when the season starts. I’d love to be involved, get some experience and make an immediate impact.

“The coach has said he’s really happy with how I’ve been going and he’s even more sure about me now that I’ve arrived and he just wants me to keep going, keep working hard and keep improving.”

Read more: Gersbach relishing Rosenborg challenge

[2mas]

First time at the national team:

Postecoglou admitted he has made the effort to find a way to watch Gersbach in Rosenborg’s pre-season fixtures and has been impressed.

“Going to Rosenborg, he’s played a few friendly games and I’ve watched him,” Postecoglou said.

“He’s adjusting well to life there. I think he could be an exciting addition for us.

“He’s one we can fast-track and hopefully he blossoms for us.”

Gersbach is the latest player who could be trialled at left back, following the likes of Jason Davidson, Aziz Behich, James Meredith and Brad Smith.

Postecoglou openly admits he wants to create depth at left back, signifying the fact it is a problem position for Australia.

“I rate him very highly. He plays an area of the park where he need to create some more depth," he said.

“He’s a very talented young player. I thought for such a young guy who showed a great deal of maturity and composure at Sydney FC.”

Read more: New roo Gersbach eyes Rosenborg debut

[2mas]

“I am grateful for the chance … I aim to make the most if it and not look back. Of course, I would love to make my debut. If not, it will be no dramas and a great experience either way.”

The Olyroos defender is embracing a career which has been fast tracked as the future becomes the present.

“Everything so far in my career has happened so quickly. I have been given opportunities and I have been lucky enough to do well and take them," he added.

“This is another one – but it doesn’t mean anything yet until I play and do well and I will be working hard to make sure that happens.

“I have won my spot and I think I deserve to be there ... I am going to be confident and do my thing while respecting all those around me.”

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Gersbach has featured in a clutch Rosenborg's pre-season friendlies and will be competing with established left back Jorgen Skjelvik for a start when the season kicks off this weekend with an away clash against Odd.

“Hopefully I will get a few minutes; we’ll just wait and see. I am just here to train, keep focused and prove myself. The aim is to get a lot of minutes during the season.

“I want to continue and be a part of an other successful season for the club. It’s just like with the Socceroos … I'll have to take my chances when they come.”

Read more: Roos rookie Gersbach gunning to grab his big chance