Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Sydney FC coach Patrick Kisnorbo says he has no control over whether the Sky Blues sell Akol Akon to an overseas club and is only interested in turning the teenage sensation into a “better” player.
Negotiations are continuing between Sydney and an American Major League Soccer outfit over the services of the 17-year-old after an initial seven-figure offer was rejected by the five-time A-League champions.
Akon’s agent Tony Rallis said he was having ongoing discussions with Sky Blues executive vice-chairman Sebastian Gray in the hope of finalising a deal this week.
Should Akon be sold, it’s understood he will be loaned back to Sydney for the 2026-27 season.
“To be honest, I don’t control that part of the football department,” Kisnorbo said ahead of his team’s Australia Cup quarter-final battle against NPL NSW club Southern Districts Raiders on Tuesday night at Fairfield Showground.
“I just worry about what’s on the pitch, and again for me, my focus is on getting him better and better each day, not wasting time.
“Whatever happens in the background, that’s up to the club and Akon’s representatives.”
Akon is in contention to return from a calf injury against the Raiders.
“He’s good. He’s back in training, so it’s great for us to have someone like that, and he’s been working really well among all the other players as well,” Kisnorbo said.
New Sky Blues signing, Nigerian forward Oriola Sunday, is also being considered for Tuesday night’s clash.
“That’s a (selection) decision I’ll probably make later today or even tomorrow,” Kisnorbo said on Monday.
Sunday, 23, has joined the Sky Blues on loan from Japanese second division club RB Omiya Ardija.
“He’s someone that we’ve been keeping track on for some months now. I’ll only bring players that will add value to the team and who are good characters, and he ticks both those boxes.
“It’s exciting for us, and now it’s time for us to work with him and for him to get accustomed to the way we play and adapt to a new culture and a new team.”
The Sky Blues and Melbourne Victory are the only two A-League clubs to have reached the Cup quarter-finals after a string of upsets.
“The NPL system, you can’t discredit what they’ve done and what they’re doing. There are some good clubs and good players in the system,” Kisnorbo said.
“Also, the A-League is in its pre-season now, and with stuff in the background with salary caps and not knowing what you have to spend and moving pieces, it makes it a bit difficult.
“Unfortunately, it’s the way it is, and we’ve just got to adapt, do what we need to do and prepare for the games as best as possible.”
