Danish winger Johan Absalonsen has departed A-League club Adelaide United.

The 32-year-old is returning to his native Denmark after 16 appearances for the Reds last season.

Adelaide's football manager, Ante Kovacevic, says the Reds offered Absalonsen an improved deal but he opted to return to his former club Sonderjyske.

"It's unfortunate to be losing Johan after last season," Kovacevic said in a statement.

"There's no denying that it was a difficult season for Johan because he had some big injuries...

Melbourne City have made their first major move of the A-League offseason, releasing skipper Michael Jakobsen to join rivals Adelaide United.

The Danish central defender, 32, has traded A-League homes on the basis of the certainty of a two-year contract.

And there could yet be movement in the opposite direction.

City are interested in Reds defender Ersun Gulum, who may be keen to move to his hometown of Melbourne, with no deal yet agreed.

City have released Jakobsen believing they can yet trade...

Adelaide United regard their A-League elimination final against old foe Melbourne Victory next Sunday as a derby despite their several hundred kilometres separating them.

The sides clash at AAMI Park two days after Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar square off at the same venue, in the other game in the first weekend of finals.

Adelaide and Victory faced off in two of the first four A-League grand finals, both won by the Melbourne club. They have clashed four times this season with a win apiece and...