Newcastle Jets have further strengthened their squad ahead of the new Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, signing Socceroos centre-back Aleksandar Šušnjar on a two-year deal.
Most recently with Perth Glory where he made 21-appearances last term, Šušnjar becomes the Jets’ third signing of the off-season following the arrivals of Eli Adams from Melbourne Victory and young winger Oscar Fryer via Sydney FC’s academy.
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“I can’t wait to get into Newcastle and start training,” said Šušnjar after penning his new deal. “I’m really looking forward to making my mark on this squad and linking up with Rob Stanton and the rest of his coaching staff.
“This is an exciting team we have. It’s a young squad and I’m hoping to add some experience at the back and achieve something big with this club for the upcoming season.”
The acquisition of Šušnjar not only adds depth to a Jets backline which has already waved goodbye to the likes of Carl Jenkinson, Jason Hoffman and Lucas Mauragis this off-season, but also adds some much needed physical presence according to head coach Rob Stanton.
“Aleksandar bring us not only experience but a huge amount of quality at the back,” said Stanton after securing Šušnjar’s signature.
“He has played in some tough competitions overseas and his best football is still ahead of him. He will bring a presence to our defence which I believe we need and I know the Newcastle fans
and community will embrace him.”
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Šušnjar’s arrival in the Hunter region marks the latest stop in what’s been an intriguing career path so far for the 28-year-old who, aside from playing for both Macarthur FC and Perth Glory, has previously had spells in Lithuania, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia and South Korea.
