A-League Men: Perth Glory part ways with Ecuadorian centre-back Luis Canga after just eight games

Perth Glory’s squad upheaval has begun ahead of the January transfer window, with import defender Luis Canga leaving the club by mutual consent.

The 29-year-old centre-back, who was capped thrice by Ecuador, made just eight starts for the club after arriving shortly before the season.

And he may not be the last of the Glory’s foreign players to depart, with several others already out of favour.

After a promising start for the Glory, Canga’s performances dipped significantly and after making a significant error in the lead up to the first goal conceded in their 4-0 thrashing by Newcastle on the weekend, his Perth career culminated with the indignity of being hauled off at half-time.

“We felt it wasn’t working out with Luis and agreed that it was in the best interests of both parties to part ways,” Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said.

“Luis has conducted himself with great professionalism throughout his short time with us and on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.

“We hope to announce the signing of a replacement centre-back shortly.”

Canga’s arrival was greeted with enthusiasm, but his recent performances have left a lot to be desired, and the arrival of Tomi Mrcela will provide Perth with defensive cover in the wake of his leave.

Perth have promised to be active in the transfer market as they reckon with a horror start to the season which has left them winless after eight games.

Canga was not the only import to struggle, with Japanese midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama — signed from NPL NSW side Marconi Stallions — having had the indignity of being substituted at half-time in all four of his starts.

Canga’s fellow South American Cristian Caicedo has only played in three games, and the Colombian attacker has not been sighted since he was brought off the bench but then substituted off by coach David Zdrilic against Adelaide, which led to Caicedo storming off down the tunnel in anger.

Belgian left-back Anas Hamzaoui has also struggled to make much of an impact, although his current absence is due to injury.