DIMI Petratos has agreed to terms on a lucrative deal with a Saudi Arabian club and is set to fly to Riyadh for a medical, bringing an end to his three years at the Newcastle Jets.
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Chief executive Lawrie McKinna confirmed on Friday that the Jets had agreed to a transfer fee and that personal terms had also been finalised.
Petratos signed off on his time in Newcastle with an assist, his 10th of the season, for Jason Hoffman to seal a 3-0 win over championship contenders Wellington Phoenix on Thursday night.
The 27-year-old is one of the Jets' highest earners and had two seasons to run on his contract.
However, there is growing uncertainty of the financial state of the A-League and players, including those with contracts, could face wage cuts.
Petratos has a young family and the money on offer in the Middle East is a level above the A-League. Players of his calibre are on $1 million a season.
"It is good business for us and him," McKinna said. "We thank him for everything he has done and wish him the best. He played a major part in getting us to the grand final. We don't know what is happening with the salary cap and what the budget is going to be. In these circumstances, with the uncertainty it is a good opportunity for him."
Petratos signed a three-year extension in October 2018 after he went to the World Cup with the Socceroos.
He was the Jets' player of the year in 2017-18 and a finalist for the Johnny Warren Medal.
In 79 appearances, Petratos has scored 22 goals and provided 26 assists. His leads the league this season with assists and chances created.
It is the second time the Jets will have pocketed a transfer fee for Petratos. After signing with the Jets from Brisbane in January 2017, he joined Korean club Ulsan Hyundai.
The move earned the Jets $150,000 without having kicked a ball for the club.
However, it didn't work out in Korea and he linked with the Jets in June 2017.
The latest transfer fee is undisclosed but is understood to be way above the previous figure.
Kosta and Makis Petratos are off contract at the Jets, but McKinna said the club was keen to extend their stay.