Sydney FC have signed former Serie A midfielder Leo Sena, the Isuzu UTE A-League side announced.
Sena joins the Sky Blues ahead of the 2024-25 season on a two-year deal from Brazilian side Agua Santa.
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder arrives in the Harbour City with significant pedigree, having completed a $2million transfer to Italian Serie A club Spezia in 2020 following a successful loan spell from Brazilian powerhouse Atletico Mineiro.
In Italy’s top flight, Sena went up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus, Inter and Lazio among others, while he was the second most fouled player in Europe’s top-five leagues, behind England star Jack Grealish.
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“It’s a great opportunity for me to play for a great club in a highly competitive league,” he said.
“I’ve had an excellent few days since my arrival here and I have a very good feeling about this season.
“We have some exciting young stars as well as some smart, more experienced players, and I think it’s a great mix to challenge for silverware.”
Born in Sao Paulo, Sena agreed a $17m transfer to Italian side Fiorentina before a second wave of COVID-19 scuppered the move.
Sena started his career with Goais in Brazil’s Serie B, making over 130 appearances and scoring eight goals.
In 2018, he celebrated promotion to the country’s top flight and they preserved their Serie A status the following season with a 10th-placed finish.
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Sena’s form resulted in a move to Brazilian giants Atletico Mineiro, worth an estimated $1m in 2020 and four months later he was loaned to Spezia.
Last year, he joined Bulgarian club Lokomotiv Plovdiv on a three-year deal but returned to his native Brazil via Agua Santa in 2024.
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“Leo is a quality individual and I’m delighted we have signed him,” said Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay.
“He is a great age for us and will give our young players the benefit of his experience.
“He has a fantastic engine for a midfielder, he keeps the ball incredibly well, makes quick, early decisions and has an excellent range of passing.
“He’s a good tackler too so I’m looking forward to watching him integrate into the squad.”
Sena is Sydney’s fourth signing following the arrivals of Harrison Devenish-Meares and Anas Ouahim, while Marin France was promoted from the academy.
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