THE Jan Breydelstadion is the new home of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan after the 21-year-old custodian completed his transfer to Belgian Pro League heavyweights Club Brugge overnight.
THE Jan Breydelstadion is the new home of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan after the 21-year-old custodian completed his transfer to Belgian Pro League heavyweights Club Brugge overnight.
After flying to Europe earlier this week to undergo a medical, Ryan put an end to speculation surrounding his playing future by penning a three-season contract with the Blue & Blacks.
Ryan becomes the third summer signing for Club Brugge, with the Club-s Sporting Director Arnar Grétarsson labelling the two-time NAB Young Football of the Year as a goalkeeper with “huge potential”.
“He [Ryan] has been playing three years for the Australian top team Central Coast Mariners,” Grétarsson said. “Despite his young age he has gathered a lot of experience and he has been elected twice as best goalkeeper of Australia.”
“This year he has celebrated the title with his team in the A-League. Another asset of Ryan is his attitude and mindset.”
Despite Ryan being due to come off contract tomorrow, the Mariners still managed to negotiate a sizeable transfer fee for the 2013 Hyundai A-League Championship winner. The Club can confirm the transfer also includes a sell-on clause.
Central Coast Mariners Group General Manager, Mr Peter Turnbull, thanked Ryan for his exemplary service to the Mariners.
“Today is a proud day for our Football Club,” Turnbull said. “Club Brugge are one of the most respected Clubs in Europe. They have a long, proud history and a strong record, like us, of taking players to the next level in their careers.”
“We commend Mathew for his effort, professionalism and performances while at the Mariners and wish him great success in the Belgian Pro League and with the Qantas Socceroos in the future.”
Ryan joins a distinguished list of former Australian internationals to have played with the 13-time Belgian Champions. Indeed, current Sydney FC Head Coach, Frank Farina, and Qantas Young Socceroos mentor, Paul Okon, both spent fruitful spells in West Flanders.
