Sydney FC have confirmed they’ve secured the services of talented young midfielder Joshua Brillante, with the Socceroo signing a three year deal.
Brillante joins the Sky Blues from Serie A outfit Fiorentina whom he joined in 2014, and linked up with his Sydney FC team mates for his first training session today.
The Bundaberg born utility had loan stints at Serie B sides Empoli and Como during his time in Italy, having earlier represented the Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League from 2012 to 2014.
It was at Hunter Stadium where he made a name for himself and was voted Player of the Year for season 2013/14, earning a call up to the provisional 30-man Socceroos squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Brillante said he was thrilled with the move and said he can’t wait for the new season to kick off in October.
“I’m delighted to be joining such an iconic club in Sydney FC,” he said.
“The club has fantastic support and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Sky Blues Members.
“The lure of working under Graham Arnold was a huge draw card and like Sydney FC I’m always striving for silverware which I believe we can achieve this season.
“I’ve got my eyes set on regular first team football and I’m eager to get underway.”
Often deployed in central midfield, the 23-year-old is equally adept on the right hand side of defence, and coach Graham Arnold praised Brillante as a welcome addition to his squad.
“Josh is a great acquisition for the club being a versatile player and has had experience playing for our national teams and Socceroos,” he said.
“As a 23 year old he is young and hungry and has taken a brave step coming back to the A-League. That’s the type of player we want at Sydney FC,” Arnold continued.
“With his experience playing abroad, I believe we have signed a better and more mature player than when he left the A-League and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“Josh’s attributes will bring quality competition for places and I’m excited for what is in store this year.”
Brillante becomes Sydney FC’s third new signing ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season following the arrivals of defenders Alex Wilkinson and Michael Zullo.
JOSHUA BRILLANTE
Age: 23
Date of Birth: 25 March 1993
Place of Birth: Bundaberg
Club career:
2010-2012 Gold Coast United 14 games (0 goals)
2012-2014 Newcastle Jets 46 (0)
2014-16 Fiorentina (Italy) 2 (0)
2015 [loan] Empoli (Italy) 1 (0)
2015-16 [loan] Como (Italy) 20 (0)
2016 – Sydney FC
International:
2014 Australia U-23 10 (1)
2013 – Australia 5 (0)
Sydney FC Players Currently Contracted For 2016/17:
George Blackwood, Josh Brillante, Aaron Calver, David Carney, Milos Dimitrijevic, Rhyan Grant, Filip Holosko, Vedran Janjetovic, Matthew Jurman, Milos Ninkovic, Brandon O’Neill, Sebastian Ryall, Alex Wilkinson, Michael Zullo
CLICK HERE to become a Sydney FC Member for Hyundai A-League season 2016/17.
