Western Sydney Wanderers have added Isuzu UTE A-League Championship-winning experience to their midfield after confirming the signing of Steven Ugarkovic on a two-year deal.
Having recently claimed the Championship with Melbourne City, Ugarkovic subsequently departed the club after amassing more than 60 league appearances across two seasons in Melbourne as his contract came to an end.
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Now, the 30-years-old – with more than 200 Isuzu UTE A-League matches under his belt – returns to the area where he was born and raised and to the club where he played during 2021-22 campaign.
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“The opportunity to come home and play for my hometown club again, for a second stint,
was something I’ve always wanted,” said Ugarkovic.
“I’ve also matured and come to realise that this is where I truly want and need to be, for myself, my career and for my family.
“My goals are success and trophies on the pitch, of course, but just as important to me is the impact I can have off it.”
He added: “I want to give back to the club, the fans, and the wider community.”
In another big addition for the Wanderers, the defensive midfielder becomes the club’s second signing of this off-season following the arrival of four-time A-Leagues champion Kosta Barbarouses on a one-year deal.
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“Ugarkovic coming back to his hometown club shows how much this place means to him,” said Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic.
“He’s grown a lot as a player and a person, and that maturity will really help the team. He’s focused on winning, but also on giving back,”
“His commitment to success and his desire to support the community is exactly the
mindset we want.”
He concluded: “Having him back isn’t just a boost for the team, but it means a lot to our
members, fans and the wider community as well.”
With Ugarkovic and Barbarouses now in the door the Wanderers are expected to do more business in the coming months following a series of big-name player exits.
2025 Johnny Warren Medallist Nicolas Milanovic has been sold to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen, striker Zac Sapsford has departed for Dundee United while Swedish forward Marcus Antonsson has also left following the end of his contract, all of which means Stajcic is likely to add more depth to the attacking stocks before the new campaign begins.
Furthermore experienced Korean defender Jeong Tae-wook has returned to his parent club following the end of his loan spell whilst left-back Jack Clisby has also departed the Wanderers.
