Perth Glory have signed 27-year-old defender Anas Hamzaoui on a two-year deal.
A Belgium U18 youth international, Hamzaoui joins Glory after a stint at Belgian side RAAL La Louvière.
The left-back was on the books of Anderlecht and Club Brugge as a junior and spent a four-year stint at Union Saint-Gilloise in the Challenger Pro League, where he made more than 50 appearances for the club.
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said acquiring a left-sided defender with Hamzaoui’s qualities was one of his top priorities in the off-season, and the Belgian fits the bill of what the club was looking to find.
“Anas could be the biggest surprise package among all the players that we’re bringing in,” he said.
“For me, his style is reminiscent of the French World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu.
“He has a great engine for getting up and down and a really cultured left foot with which he provides excellent delivery into the box.
“It’s difficult to find quality left-backs and acquiring the services of someone like Anas was one of my top priorities.
“I’m confident that he will be a really important addition to the squad and a big hit with our members and fans.”
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Hamzaoui said taking on a new challenge in Australia was an attractive prospect heading into the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
“When I was contacted by a club like Perth Glory, I was immediately open to a new challenge and I’m really excited about it,” he said.
“I had a really good feeling when I saw the club.
“I hope we will achieve great things this season and I will certainly be working hard to make that happen.”
Featured image credit: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
