Defender Michael Beauchamp has left Melbourne Heart to join his hometown club Sydney FC on a multi-year deal.
After spending a solitary season with last season’s A-League debutants, the two-time World Cup player will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season training in July.
The move has been approved by Heart despite Beauchamp still owing one year from his current two-year contract.
The deal gives the versatile defender the option to seek short-term options abroad in between the A-League season to bolster his chances of national selection.
“I still have my sights set on furthering my Socceroos career, but my immediate priority is to play well for my new club and help with the club’s goal to bring about another championship,” the 23-year-old, who has played in Germany with FC Nuremberg and in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira, said.
He added: “The ideal situation would be to remain at Sydney FC long term and regain selection into the Socceroos squad.”
“I have only heard good things about head coach (Sydney boss) Vitezslav Lavicka, so can-t wait to work under him.”
Beauchamp, who made 19 appearances for the Heart, found first-team opportunities limited given the rise of youngster Michael Marrone.
“I am a Sydney boy as well and played a lot of my football here, so being back home is a bit of a thrill for me too.”
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka expressed delight at Beauchamp’s arrival, which will bring some much-need experience and steel at the back for FC, who finished with the fourth worst goal difference last season.
“We all know he is a good player. He has a lot of international experience. He’s been to two World Cups with the Socceroos and is a big, tall, strong defender,” the Czech said.
“He has experience in Europe at some big clubs so he will be very valuable to us. He is an excellent character and I expect him to, and I know he will, provide us with good play and of course good leadership at the back.”
Beauchamp, who has 22 international caps to his name, is likely to slot into fullback position left vacated by Byun Sung-hwan, who has departed for Newcastle Jets.
