Perth Glory sign former Australia youth international in ‘no-brainer’ transfer

Perth Glory have signed centre-back Tass Mourdoukoutas for the remainder of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Former Western Sydney Wanderers defender Mourdoukoutas returns to the A-Leagues having spent the past two years playing in the Canadian Premier League for York United and Valour FC.

The 25-year-old – a former Australia Under-19 and Under-23 international – made 40 appearances during his five-year stint with the Wanderers prior to moving overseas.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE

STAY ACROSS ALL THE DEALS INVOLVING YOUR CLUB WITH OUR MID-SEASON TRANSFER CENTRE

“For me it was a no-brainer to come here when the opportunity came up to work with this coaching staff and group of players,” he said.

“I can see the ambition that the coaches and players have here and I want to do my bit to help.

“Obviously I want to help us win as many games as we can, to play as much as I can and just be a good influence and a good role model for the younger players.

“I actually made my starting A-League debut at HBF Park when I was with Western Sydney. It was 36 degrees and Glory had Diego Castro coming off the bench and he tore us up, so it was very difficult.

“The fans always get on top of you here as an away side, so I’m happy to be on this side of it now! I’m grateful to have the opportunity.”

DEEP DIVE: A Scottish icon called this young Aussie ‘a coach’s dream’. He’s now showing why

Mourdoukoutas is the latest new face at Perth, who continue to overhaul their squad during the January transfer window.

The Glory have already signed Tomislav Mrcela, Lachie Wales, Yuto Misao, Takuya Okamoto and Patrick Wood (on loan from Sydney FC), while Mustafa Amini, Cristian Caiceido, Luis Canga, Luke Bodnar, Jacob Muir, Jarrod Carluccio and Abdul Faisal have departed.

GAME-BY-GAME PREVIEW: What you need to know ahead of Round 16 in the Isuzu UTE A-League

“We’re lacking a little bit of experience in that central defensive area and Tass certainly provides that,” said Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis.

“He knows the league, he’s strong defensively, composed on the ball and will be a very positive influence off the pitch as well.

“Tass played more than 60 games during his couple of years in what is a tough, physically-demanding league in Canada and that will stand him in good stead for what lies ahead this season.

“His arrival will add to the competition for places in our backline and that’s exactly what we’re looking for as we continue to reshape and improve our squad.”