The Newcastle Jets have signed former Socceroos defender Adrian Madaschi and promising attacking midfielder Joshua Barresi.
The Newcastle Jets have signed former Socceroos defender Adrian Madaschi on a one-year deal, while promising attacking midfielder Joshua Barresi has signed a two-year deal with the club.
Madaschi last played for South Korean K-League side Jeju United, where he made 48 appearances in two seasons.
Prior to that, Madaschi spent the majority of his career plying his trade at overseas clubs in Italy and Scotland.
He also had a nine-match stint at Melbourne Heart during the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season, before securing a move to the K-League.
The 31-year-old centre-back stands an imposing 190cm tall and has played for the Socceroos on five occasions, scoring two goals. Madaschi also represented Australia at U-17, U-20 and U-23 level.
“I-m extremely excited to get on board and be a part of the Newcastle Jets Football Club,” Madaschi said.
“I think building a competitive squad starts with the defence, so hopefully I can form some good partnerships with the other boys at the back and be part of a strong defensive unit throughout the season.
“Having a bit of experience under my belt, I-ll be doing my best to be a mentor to some of the younger players in the squad, guiding them in the right direction and lending a helping hand where I can as well.”
Newcastle Jets head coach Phil Stubbins said the signing of Madaschi would bring added experience and balance to the Jets- backline.
“Adrian brings a real strength of character to the table and he-s a left-sided player which is going to provide balance for us,” Stubbins said.
“He-s played at a very good level throughout his career and he-s coming to the Jets very hungry to establish himself as a prominent player in the A-League.
“Adrian has what we-re looking in terms of personality and character and we-re looking forward to welcoming him to the Club.”
Barresi joins the Jets from Western Sydney Wanderers where he has spent the past two seasons.
The 19-year-old said he is excited to establish himself in the Hyundai A-League with Newcastle.
“Having worked with Phil at the AIS, I know his philosophy and how he likes to play, so hopefully I can come to the Jets, be a creative player and give the team something different,” Barresi said.
“Newcastle is a club that always gives young players the opportunity to come and prove themselves.
“Seeing players like (Adam) Taggart and (Josh) Brillante go on to make the Socceroos shows how well the Jets can develop young players and that was definitely a factor in my decision as well.”
Stubbins said he is looking forward to once again working with Barresi at the Jets.
“Josh is a player that I know from the AIS and he is similar to Tom Rogic in many ways,” Stubbins said.
“He-s somebody who is graceful on the pitch, has a fantastic left foot and has all the technical skills you look for in an attacking midfielder.
“For Josh, I think there is a good platform for him at the Jets to come and establish himself in the A-League.”
Both players are set to complete medicals in the coming days and will arrive in Newcastle for the commencement of pre-season in mid-June.
