Mark Birighitti has signed a two-year deal with his hometown Isuzu UTE A-League club Perth Glory.
The 34-year-old is back in the A-Leagues for the first time since 2022, when he departed Central Coast Mariners to join Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
Birighitti spent two seasons at Dundee United before returning to Australia in January at NPLM WA outfit Perth Soccer Club. The veteran gloveman will continue his role as goalkeeper coach at Perth SC as he begins his two-year tenure at Glory.
Click here to visit the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 Transfer Centre
A Perth local, Birighitti brings 164 games of Isuzu UTE A-League experience to Glory, accrued across 12 seasons between 2008 and 2022.
His A-Leagues journey began at Adelaide United in 2008, with four seasons at the Reds preceding a four-season stint at Newcastle Jets, one term at Melbourne City and three at Central Coast Mariners, where he was named the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2021 and 2022.
Birighitti expressed his pride in signing for Perth head of his first season at his hometown club.
“Coming back to Australia and playing for my hometown club is where my heart is,” he said.
“I am ready to give everything for the club and play my part in helping them achieve their goals.
“Perth Glory means more than just football. It’s about representing my family, fans and everything Perth Glory stands for.
“For me, it’s not just a career move, it’s a personal journey. This city has shaped me into the player I am, and I’m proud to be back where it all started.”
Birighitti is the fourth new arrival at the club this off-season, following Glory’s double swoop for Wellington Phoenix defensive duo Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton, and the return of midfielder Callum Timmins from Newcastle Jets.
Trent Ostler, Lachie Wales and Luke Amos have all signed contract extensions since the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, while Joel Anasmo (loan move – Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Jaylan Pearman, Anas Hamzaoui, Lachie Barr, Patrick Wood (end of loan) and Riley Warland have departed the club that finished on the foot of the Isuzu UTE A-League table for the second consecutive season.
Click here to visit the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 Transfer Centre
Glory football director Stan Lazaridis says Birighitti’s arrival will create a healthy competitive environment within the club’s goalkeeping union.
“We want to bring in quality players with a local connection that our members and fans are familiar with and Mark is a proven performer who has accumulated a vast amount of experience both in Australia and overseas,” Lazaridis said.
“He wants a fresh challenge and the chance to prove himself again as one of the very best goalkeepers in the A-League.
“It’s vital to have serious competition for places in every area of the field and Mark will certainly provide that as far as our goalkeeping options are concerned.
“Our other ‘keepers will benefit from him being on board and we are thrilled to be welcoming another talented and proud West Aussie into the fold as we continue to build for next season.”
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