Jada Whyman has brought an end to her illustrious four-year association with Liberty A-League champions Sydney FC, agreeing to join Swedish club AIK.
Joining the Sky Blues in 2020, Whyman went on to play 73 times for Ante Juric’s Sydney and established herself as one of the league’s most formidable goalkeepers in the process.
Tallying an incredible 36 clean sheets during her time in the Harbour City, the 24-year-old leaves Sydney as the club’s most successful ever goalkeeper and with a trophy cabinet that boasts three Liberty A-League Premierships as well as two Championship medals after back-to-back Grand Final triumphs.
“The decision comes from, mostly just wanting to take that next step in my career,” revealed Whyman in an address to the fans.
“I feel like I’ve got to this point where I want to grow a bit more. I’ve loved playing in the A-League and I’ve loved playing at Sydney FC but I feel like there’s more out there in terms of playing football overseas.
“I’ve enjoyed so much success with Sydney FC and I am eternally grateful and thankful to everyone at the club for their help and support throughout my time in Sky Blue, particularly our Members and fans.
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She continued: “If it were not for Sydney FC, I would not be in the position I am today and I am
excited for the future.
“It has been the most wonderful four seasons at Sydney FC and one day I’d love to make a return. I wish the club all the best for next season and beyond…”
Whyman will now head straight to Sweden to join AIK and help them in their bid to avoid relegation from the Swedish Damallsvenskan.
Furthermore, Whyman now follows in the footsteps of former CommBank Matildas and fellow Sydney FC stars Lisa De Vanna and Remy Siemsen who also played for AIK.
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“Jada has been the number one goalkeeper in the A-League Women for the past four seasons,” said Sydney coach Juric.
“She fully deserves her chance to test herself overseas, and to continue to push for a Matildas starting position.
“We will miss her, as she is a fantastic person and clearly a fantastic player. She has been a key component to all of our recent success.
The Sydney boss added: “We are very proud of our record of developing and giving players chances to fulfil their ambitions overseas and Jada is the latest in a lengthy list of players who have succeeded in moves to overseas professional leagues.”
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Speaking of the Sky Blues boss, the departing Whyman was efusive in her praise for the A-Leagues coaching legend.
“I think I’m going to miss Ante pushing me every training session,” laughed Whyman when discussing her feelings about leaving the club she’s become so synonymous with. “He’s been a big part of pushing me and helping me become the goalkeeper I am and the team that we’ve had.
“it’s very sad having Char (Charlotte McLean) and Cort (Cortnee Vine) leave already… it feels like the end of something for me and our friendship group but I’m just opening a new chapter, a new journey.”
Already anticipating a move for the the recent A-League Women’s All-Star and three-time PFA Team of the Year nominee, Sydney moved quickly to secure a replacement for Whyman with New Zealand international Briana Edwards signing on for the upcoming campaign.
No stranger when it comes to rebuilding a squad, head coach Juric is deep in the process of rejuvenating his squad for their upcoming title defence following a series of high-profile exits this off-season.
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Following the departures of Matildas star Cortnee Vine and Player of the Year Charlotte McLean to the NWSL, the Sky Blues also waved goodbye to several other first team players including former Julie Dolan Medallist Fiona Worts and talented youngster Jynaya Dos Santos.
Replacing those departures though are the likes of former Perth Glory striker Millie Farrow, young NPLW NSW goalscoring phenomenon Amber Luchtmeijer and the aforementioned Edwards while it’s expected the Sky Blues will make further signings in the coming days.
