CommBank Young Matildas forward Jynaya Dos Santos has a new club, signing a one-year deal with Canberra United ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
A part of two Championship-winning seasons with Sydney FC, Dos Santos was ultimately released from the final year of her current contract with the Sky Blues in order to allow her to pursue first team football elsewhere.
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“Jynaya is a very exciting talent and will be an important addition to our attacking stocks as we get closer to the start of the new A-League season,” said Canberra United head coach Antoni Jagarinec.
“We watched her performances for Sydney FC with interest and, when it became apparent that she would be available, we had no hesitation in adding her to our team.
He added: “Jynaya fits the profile of the players we want at Canberra, and I am convinced she will be a success here.”
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Now 18, Dos Santos came through the academy at Sydney FC alongside her sister and fellow Young Matilda Indiana Dos Santos, and eventually made eight first team appearances before seeking pastures new.
“I am very much looking forward to playing for Canberra United,” said Dos Santos after her move was made official. “Especially in front of the noisy home supporters that the club has at McKellar Park.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sydney FC but need to further my career by playing more minutes, more regularly, and I believe that I will get that chance in Canberra.
She added: “The club is renowned in the league for affording young players an opportunity, and I can’t wait to start.”
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Dos Santos is the fourth new face to walk through the door at McKellar Park this off-season following the arrivals of former Sydney FC teammate Aideen Keane, New Zealand international Elizabeth Anton and goalkeeper Sally James.
Key to the club’s off-season though has been the renewal of star striker Michelle Heyman’s contract, with the 2023-24 Ninja A-League Golden Boot winner signing on for another campaign in Green.
Finding the back of the net 17 times in the 2023-24 season, the two-time Julie Dolan Medallist’s stunning form saw her earn a recall to the Matildas squad which ultimately led to her representing Australia at the Paris Olympic Games earlier this year.
Furthermore, Heyman also broke the Ninja A-League’s goalscoring record after becoming the first player to score 100 competition goals.
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