Melbourne City have signed former Chile youth international Vicente Fernandez for the remainder of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Fernandez arrives as a free agent to replace Socceroos full-back Aziz Behich, who joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on loan until June.
The 24-year-old Chilean has spent the majority of his career in his homeland, playing for the likes of Universidad Catolica and Palestino.
Fernandez joined Argentine outfit Talleres in 2023 before he was loaned to Universidad de Chile that same year.
INS & OUTS: Isuzu UTE A-League January Transfer Centre
“Vicente is an attacking left back with good experience at some of the best clubs in Chile. Technically good on the ball, he has genuine pace with the ability to run at players and get forward to provide good crosses,” said City’s director of football Michael Petrillo.
“He is defensively good in 1v1 situations and as a naturally left footed player, he adds further
depth to our left side.
“Given the very short time frame we had to replace Aziz, we’re delighted to have been able to secure a player of his quality so quickly.”
Fernandez has made 89 appearances in the Chilean first tier and has supplied six assists
since his professional debut in 2018.
He is the latest new arrival at City, following Socceroo Marco Tilio (on loan from Celtic) and midfielder Jimmy Jeggo.
“I’m really excited by this opportunity to join a team like Melbourne City which has had so much success in recent years,” Fernandez added.
“It’s an exciting new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get to Australia to meet my new teammates and get to work.”
