Sydney FC have added immediate reinforcement to their attacking stocks following the departure of Patrick Wood on loan to Perth Glory, signing forward Jaushua Sotirio for the remainder of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 29-year-old joins the club after the recent termination of his contract with Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, where he had been based since arriving from Newcastle Jets in May 2023.
Capable of leading the line and playing out wide, the former Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix and Jets forward with 169 Isuzu UTE A-League games to his name brings experience to Sydney’s attacking unit.
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Sky Blues head coach Ufuk Talay says Sotirio is an important addition to his squad considering Wood’s loan move to Perth, announced just hours before his new signing’s arrival.
“I know Jaushua very well from our time together at Wellington Phoenix,” Talay said.
“He’s a quick and pacy striker who can score goals and give opposition defences plenty of problems.
“His ability to play centrally or out wide gives us extra options up front, particularly with Pat Wood’s move to Perth.”
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“Jaushua’s experience in the AFC Champions League will be an asset,” Talay added.
“He knows what it takes to perform on big stages and against Asian opposition, and his work rate and commitment will fit seamlessly into our squad.”
“We’re continuing to explore opportunities to strengthen other areas of the team over the next month.
“We want to ensure we have the depth and quality needed to compete across all competitions for the remainder of the season.”
Sotirio says he’s excited to work under Talay once more after spending three seasons under his watch at Wellington Phoenix between 2019 and 2022.
“Sydney FC is the biggest club in the country, and I’m looking forward to playing alongside some of the best players in Australia,” Sotirio said.
“I hope to contribute with goals and assists and it’s a great chance for me to win silverware, with the current position we are in.”
“I played my best football and scored the most goals of my career under Ufuk at Wellington. I really enjoy the way his teams play, and I’m excited to be working with him again.”
