Melbourne City have boosted their midfield stocks following the departure of Aaron Mooy with Luke Brattan moving in the opposite direction on loan from sister club Manchester City.
Transfer news: A-League star signs for EPL giants
The former Brisbane Roar midfielder will head to Melbourne for the forthcoming season, becoming City coach John van’t Schip’s fifth new signing ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
Brattan spent last season on loan at Championship club Bolton Wanderers before returning to Manchester City to train at the club’s Football Academy.
The three-time Hyundai A-League Championship winner returns to Australia where he made 91 appearances for the Roar before signing for the EPL giants in October 2015.
Brattan played a vital role for Roar as a talented holding midfielder across six A-League seasons and will link up with his new club immediately following their return to pre-season training on Monday.
Speaking of his move Brattan said, “My experience in England has been a fantastic one and, thanks to my time at the City Football Academy, I have never felt more prepared for a season.
“I’m delighted to be joining Melbourne City ahead of what I’m sure will be a really exciting season and I can’t wait to get started.”
Meanwhile Melbourne City have also announced that Anthony Caceres has extended his loan deal with the club until the end of the 2016/17 season after joining from Manchester City in January 2016.
The midfielder made 11 appearances for John van’t Schip’s squad during the 2015/16 season, scoring his first goal for the club against Brisbane Roar in the Round 24 win at AAMI Park.
Van’t Schip said Caceres and Brattan would add a dynamic element to club’s midfield structure as they seek to improve on last season’s fourth place finish.
“Luke will be a fantastic addition to our squad; he has long been recognised as an impressive young talent in Australia, and we are looking forward to what he can bring to our midfield, particularly after his experience overseas.
“Anthony joined us in January and has been an important member of the squad since his arrival. His performances during the final matches of the regular season have demonstrated his notable talent.
“We are delighted to have these two players on board as we begin our preparations for the new campaign.”
