The A-League’s newest club is starting to take its shape for next season, signing three young players.
Former Melbourne Victory youth player Sebastian Pasquali, Adelaide United forward Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Melbourne City defender Dylan Pierias all join the side, increasing the total number of players signed to seven.
In addition, it has been rumoured the new team will face EFL Championship club Leeds United – who will already play matches against Manchester United and Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia in July.
Last week, a deal was struck that will see United play most of their home matches at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium in their opening season.
Greek international Panagiotis Kone and Socceroo Josh Risdon are just some of the players already signed, with Sydney FC defender Aaron Calver last week putting pen to paper.
The most recent addition of the three Australian youngsters however brings more excitement to the club, giving them a chance to secure starting spots at their new team.
Pasquali returns to the country following a stint in the Netherlands at Jong Ajax, where he made 15 appearances. He was unable to regularly break into the senior Ajax side and now has the chance to develop his game. The 19-year-old made only two senior appearances for Melbourne Victory, however his performance against Juventus at the MCG in 2016 showed the public what he could do.
Stamatelopoulos has played 12 matches for Adelaide United, scoring two goals in the process. He has performed well in the matches he has played in, but has not received enough game time to showcase his talents.
His new opportunity at Western United is a positive one for him and will be good for the club too.
Pierias joins the club with limited A-League experience, only featuring in three league matches for Melbourne City. However, he has lots of potential and now could receive a good amount of first team game time. He famously became the first player born in the 21st century to play in the A-League, and now can highlight his talents.
More player acquisitions will be announced in the coming months, and it will be interesting to see who will join the A-League’s newest side.
As for fellow expansion club Macarthur South West United, the time until they make their A-League debut is getting closer.
Advertising is going up in the region and community forums are taking place, which is making fans excited.
While it is still early, club colours will soon be revealed, and excitement will continue to build over the next year. They are scheduled to enter the A-League in the 2020/21 season.
