Melbourne City FC has announced it has signed Melbourne-born Socceroos, Jamie Maclaren, adding potency and an experienced goalscorer to City’s attack.
Maclaren joins City from German side, SV Darmstadt 98, and will don the number 29 shirt on a deal set to keep the striker at City until 2023.
Having notched up a stunning 40 goals in just 53 matches during his time at Brisbane Roar, Maclaren’s impressive goalscoring record will be crucial to City in the second half of the season as the Club looks to rise up to the A-League ladder.
“Jamie is a fantastic signing for us not only for this season but for the future. He’s a proven goalscorer with a lot of talent and experience, and at only 25 years old, he’s still got plenty of upside,” said City Head Coach, Warren Joyce.
“Jamie’s arrival will provide a big boost to the squad as we head into the back half of the season and most importantly, he’ll give us more of a goal threat.”
Born in Melbourne, Maclaren began his career in Perth where he made 38 appearances for the Glory before moving east to Brisbane. He then moved across to Bundesliga side, SV Darmstadt 98 in 2017, making seven appearances for the club before being loaned out to the Scottish Premier League’s Hibernians.
Maclaren has also featured for the Socceroos 12 times, scoring his first goal in the 2019 Asian Cup against Palestine.
“I can’t wait to return to Australia and as a local lad, it’s really exciting to sign for Melbourne City. It is an ambitious club with a talented group of players and experienced coaching staff. I’m confident and looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.
“I’m feeling strong after a good Asian Cup experience, but my focus is now on making an impact in the A-League and I’m looking forward to stepping out in front of the City fans at AAMI Park to show them what I can do.”
Maclaren will join up with the City squad in the coming days.
Maclaren’s first outing in front of City’s home fans will be Saturday 9 Feb when Adelaide come to town. Ahead of that match, City has made available a number of 3-match and 5-match memberships, encouraging fans to see the new-look side in action with one of Australia’s brightest young talents as its figurehead.
