The job of new Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek has just become significantly harder, with skipper Isaias set to leave the club.

The Spanish midfielder has been the Reds’ best player across his 158 appearances, but it appears he’s pulled on the jersey for the last time, with a move to Qatar in the offing.

Fox Football’s Murray Shaw broke the news on the Footbald Podcast.

“I’ll give you a little Baldcast exclusive, there will be no Isaias at Adelaide United next season,” Shaw said.

“He’s off to Qatar for a couple of seasons.”

“He’s the heart and soul of that club at the moment. Verbeek’s going to have to come in, he’s going to need to find a leader, he’ll need to find a striker, and he’s got a big job.”

Isaias joined Adelaide back in 2013 from Spanish outfit Espanyol, and quickly became one of the A-League’s most influential midfielders. He won the Joe Marston Medal for best on ground as the Reds claimed the championship back in 2016, and has also starred in two FFA Cup triumphs.

He won’t be easy to replace.