Sydney FC have signed two-time Isuzu UTE A-League champion and star full-back Ben Garuccio.
Garuccio joins title-chasing Sydney on a two-year deal after Western United’s Club Participation Agreement (CPA) was placed in conditional hibernation for the upcoming campaign.
The 30-year-old left-back and former Western United captain brings close to 250 senior appearances across the A-Leagues and Scottish Premiership for Hearts.
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Garuccio won a Championship at both Melbourne City and Western United.
“I’m really looking forward to this next step in my career,” Garuccio said.
“Sydney FC’s history of success speaks for itself, and I wanted to be part of that. I feel like I still have plenty to give and I want to make the most of the next two seasons.”
Garuccio’s switch to Sydney FC sees the veteran link up with talented winger Abel Walatee after the pair played together at Western United.
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“For me it’s about contributing to a team that challenges for trophies,” Garuccio added.
“I believe my best football is still in front of me and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
Sydney, who missed the Finals Series last season though they reached the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two semi-finals, have signed Al Hassan Toure, Rhys Youlley, Akol Akon, Paul Okon-Engstler, Marcel Tisserand, Piero Quispe (loan), Victor Campuzano and Abel Walatee.
The Sky Blues have also promoted Mathias Macallister and re-signed Gus Hoefsloot, Alex Grant, Wataru Kamijo, Rhyan Grant Aaron Gurd, having farewelled Patryk Klimala (end of loan), Andrew Redmayne, Jaushua Sotirio (end of loan), Jaiden Kucharski, Max Burgess, Anas Ouahim, Adrian Segecic, Anthony Caceres, Leo Sena, Aaron Gurd (Loan), Douglas Costa and Will Kennedy.
“Ben brings a good amount of experience and a winning mentality,” said head coach Ufuk Talay.
“He’s a strong defender and influential going forward creating opportunities. He’s a quality player and leader which will be important for us.”
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