John Greco

6 years ago

Weekly transfer update: Baccus switches jerseys and Phoenix snap up four

We’re just a few sleeps away from the start of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season, with excitement building for the new campaign.

And there’s been no slowing down in the transfer activity with five players signed over the past week.

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Wellington Phoenix has been the big player in the transfer market, with coach Mark Rudan adding four players to his roster.

And a star midfielder swapped Sydney for Melbourne in a key addition for Warren Joyce’s City.

Here’s a look back at all the comings and goings from the last week.

Armando Sosa Pena

Affectionately known as ‘Mandi’, the Spaniard has been signed to add some steel to Wellington Phoenix’s midfield.

The 29-year-old has played most of his career in the Spanish second and third divisions, playing more than 200 games.

He also spent time with Real Madrid’s reserve team where he played alongside the likes of Spanish international Dani Carvajal and Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

Kearyn Baccus

After agreeing on a mutual termination of his contract at Western Sydney Wanderers, Baccus was immediately snapped up by City as an injury replacement for Michael O’Halloran.

With Joyce looking for some midfield depth, South African-born Baccus is an ideal addition with 74 games of Hyundai A-League experience at the Wanderers.

His athleticism, work-rate and crisp passing is a feature of Baccus’ game and he’s likely to push hard for a spot in City’s engine-room with the likes of Luke Brattan and Rostyn Griffiths.

Max Burgess

Former Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets attacker Max Burgess was thrown a Hyundai A-League lifeline by the Phoenix.

The 23-year-old signed a one-year deal across the ditch after his superb form for double-winning Sydney Olympic in the NSW NPL in 2018.

Burgess scored seven goals in 23 games for Olympic and gives the Phoenix more creativity and speed in the front third.

Reuben Way and Callan Elliot

Phoenix made a double signing on Wednesday with highly-rated Kiwi teenager Callan Elliot and experienced Victorian NPL defender Reuben Way joining the club on one-year deals.

Way has been a key contributor for Heidelberg United over the last few years with the side enjoying plenty of success in the local NPL and FFA Cup.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Elliot, who has been a Phoenix fan for almost a decade, began his career at Tasman United when he was scouted by former Wellington legend, Paul Ifill.

Keegan Smith

While there’s been a number of new additions in Wellington, one player was released by the club in teenage goalkeeper Keegan Smith.

The 19-year-old started six Hyundai A-League games over the past two seasons but has been let go to link with Tasman United of the ISPS Handa Premiership League.

Keegan Smith

A-League Men
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