Europe the priority as Juric prepares to reject A-League offer

Out-of-favour Socceroos striker Tomi Juric is primed to remain in Europe rather than return to the A-League, as the prospect of a January transfer window departure from FC Luzern looms large.

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That’s the conclusion of father and adviser Branko Juric, who has described as “pretty unlikely” a reunion with avaricious Adelaide United, whom Juric briefly played for six seasons ago.

The Reds are competing with the likes of Swiss Super League side Scion - once home to Dario Vidosic - for Juric’s signature, with Luzern considering releasing him with six months of his contract left.

Juric is looking to revive his career after an injury-plagued start to the season at Luzern, which ultimately cost him a Socceroos spot at the AFC Asian Cup.

One goal in seven appearances wasn’t enough for Graham Arnold to include the 27-year-old in his final squad of 23.

And resolving his future is now a priority for Juric.

“I don’t think there is much prospect of him coming back to the A-League,” said Juric senior.

“He will know more about what is happening in the next day or two.

“There is interest from Scion, that’s certainly true, but how interested they are we don’t know yet.

“I think that he will look at good offers (across the board).

“But his preference is to stay (in Europe) and I don’t really see him coming back to Australia.

“I’m not sure where that (the link with Scion) will go. There are a few other things being worked on.

“At this point, he’s due back in training at his club on New Year’s Day.”

Juric is determined to bounce back quickly from his Socceroos’ setback and is at peak fitness again after casting off the knee issues which hampered him at the World Cup back in June.

“He was upset to miss out on the Asian Cup, but this is football and life,” added Juric senior.

“He just wants the chance to get back to scoring goals again and hopefully being recalled by Australia in the future.

“He hasn’t played so much this season - but he’s 100 per cent fit now.

“He will go back to his club and do his best, and if nothing else happens he will stay there till the end of the season.”