All Whites keeper signs for Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix have signed New Zealand international Stefan Marinovic as their new first-choice goalkeeper for next season.
Marinovic, who has played 24 times for the All Whites, will take over from Filip Kurto who has followed former Phoenix coach Mark Rudan to expansion club Western United.
Kurto was named A-League goalkeeper of the year in his only season with the club.
Free agent Marinovic becomes the first signing made by new coach Ufuk Talay, who said: "For us, he'll be an exceptional leader inside the box and a great shot stopper as part of our backline.
"To have Stefan's international pedigree will further add to our number of talented homegrown players within the club."
Marinovic had a stint last season with English championship side Bristol City, where he signed as a short-term injury replacement, but made just one appearance.
The 27-year-old had previously been with Vancouver Whitecaps, and started his senior career in Germany with SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
Marinovic, who has signed a two-year deal, said: "I've always wanted to return back to New Zealand to play at some point. The club has had an extremely impressive campaign and I'm looking forward to being a part of the group that hopes to surpass that next season."
His signing frees up another import spot to use on an outfield player, which will be valuable in the search for a new striker to replace Johnny Warren Medal and Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna.
Both Krishna and his former striker partner David Williams have been linked with moves to Indian Super League side ATK.
Phoenix are 25/1 to win the 2020 A-League Grand Final, with Sydney FC 4/1 and Perth Glory 4/1.
View all Soccer betting
Wellington Phoenix have signed New Zealand international Stefan Marinovic as their new first-choice goalkeeper for next season.
Marinovic, who has played 24 times for the All Whites, will take over from Filip Kurto who has followed former Phoenix coach Mark Rudan to expansion club Western United.
Kurto was named A-League goalkeeper of the year in his only season with the club.
Free agent Marinovic becomes the first signing made by new coach Ufuk Talay, who said: "For us, he'll be an exceptional leader inside the box and a great shot stopper as part of our backline.
"To have Stefan's international pedigree will further add to our number of talented homegrown players within the club."
Marinovic had a stint last season with English championship side Bristol City, where he signed as a short-term injury replacement, but made just one appearance.
The 27-year-old had previously been with Vancouver Whitecaps, and started his senior career in Germany with SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
Marinovic, who has signed a two-year deal, said: "I've always wanted to return back to New Zealand to play at some point. The club has had an extremely impressive campaign and I'm looking forward to being a part of the group that hopes to surpass that next season."
His signing frees up another import spot to use on an outfield player, which will be valuable in the search for a new striker to replace Johnny Warren Medal and Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna.
Both Krishna and his former striker partner David Williams have been linked with moves to Indian Super League side ATK.
Phoenix are 25/1 to win the 2020 A-League Grand Final, with Sydney FC 4/1 and Perth Glory 4/1.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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