Perth Glory

Aug 12, 2022

Fri, 12 August 2022 11:18AM Comments Share to Facebook Copy the Link Perth Glory are looking to add an Italian flavour to their new-look A-League squad with a marquee attacking midfielder. The deal has been kept under wraps for several weeks during lengthy talks but Glory are hoping to finalise a contract within days. Glory owner Tony Sage revealed the move to bring Italian flair to the rebuilt side. Sage was not at Wednesday night’s 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Perth at Dorrien Gardens but today he posted on social media: “Sorry I wasn’t there. Still negotiating with our potential Italian marquee.” The club is hoping the new signing will fill the void left by Spanish maestro Diego Castro, who was not re-signed last year amid the Daniel Sturridge debacle. Camera Icon Diego Castro has left Glory. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images While it is understood the new target is not a big name, he will come in as a marquee player outside the salary cap. Glory, who picked up their first wooden spoon last season, have been on an aggressive recruitment campaign led by coach Ruben Zadkovich and newly appointed head of recruitment, retired striker Andy Keogh. They have brought in seasoned professionals like attacking midfielder Ryan Williams, back in Perth after a decade in England playing for clubs like Fulham, Portsmouth, Barnsley, Rotherham United and Oxford. He has been joined by former Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough defender Mark Beevers and Irish international midfielder Aaron McEneff from Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian. Israeli striker Ben Azubel has joined the overseas arrivals. Other signings include former Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini who played in Europe for a decade after making his debut for Central Coast Mariners and spent last season with Sydney FC. They have also kept a number of current squad and academy players.