With eight new senior signings in the squad for the 2017/18 season, it’s time to look at those who will be making their City debuts this season (and one player who will be making their second!)
Eugene Galekovic
The first of our off-season signings, Eugene Galekovic, joined the Club to bolster the goalkeeper ranks after the retirement of Thomas Sorensen.
With over 238 appearances in the A-League and a Socceroo at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, his addition set the tone for signings ahead of the upcoming season.
“To have the opportunity to return home and continue my career in Melbourne is very exciting and hopefully I can use my experience to push City to even greater heights”
Scott Jamieson
Another experienced signing followed with defender Scott Jamieson returning home to add to City’s full-back position and was the first signing during Warren Joyce’s tenure.
With 182 A-League appearances under his belt and an invaluable experience in the Sweedish Allsvenskan, Jamieson will add another dimension to the City setup
“Coming back from Europe to a Club that is making a mark on Australian football is a new and exciting start for me. To be able to challenge myself in this world-class environment at the Academy alongside a talented playing and coaching group, makes me motivated to perform for the Club and its fans.”
Don’t forget to follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram.
Good Morning 😁. Off to sydney today for @FFACup tomorrow ✌️⚽️
— Scott Jamieson (@ScottJamieson) September 11, 2017
Iacopo La Rocca
The third pre-season signing saw the addition of another defender, Iacopo La Rocca. The Italian-born Australian citizen also brings a wealth of experience, playing 88 games with Adelaide and Western Sydney, claiming the Asian Champions League with the latter.
With the ability to play in both the back four and midfield, the defensive utility will add another layer to the City defence as he looks to play a role in the upcoming season.
“This is a new club and a new challenge for me, one which I am very excited about. Already it is very impressive; the moment you walk into the Academy you feel like a professional player and it makes you want to perform at your best.”
Don’t forget to follow Iacopo on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZiupVAae0/
Stefan Mauk
He’s not quite a new kid on the block but the return of Stefan Mauk for his second stint at the Club brings an air of excitement for the talented youngster.
The 21-year-old joins on loan from Dutch side N.E.C. after heading abroad for the first time in Holland and returns to City with a wealth of professional experience during his time in the Eredivisie. Another midfield option, Mauk fills the void left by Anthony Caceres and will look to make that position his own this season.
“The Club gave me the opportunity out of the AIS and the chance to become a senior footballer. I’ve come back from overseas learning a lot and now I’m looking forward to giving the Club something back for their faith in me.”
Don’t forget to follow Stefan on Twitter
Nice to finish the pre season on a good note with a 2-0 win against Adelaide United! Now bring on the start of the @ALeague 😁😁
— Stefan Mauk (@StefanMauk) September 29, 2017
Bart Schenkeveld
The first international signing of the pre-season, Dutchman Bart Schenkeveld joined the Club from PEC Zwolle in Holland with the recommendation of former City boss John van’t Schip.
The defender is another versatile player who has been brought in to bolster the City backline after spending his youth career with Feyenoord and senior football with Heracles Almelo and of course, PEC Zwolle.
“I’m delighted to become a Melbourne City player, starting in a new league and a totally new country. It is well known that the club has major ambition, and a very clear way it wants to play football. I can’t wait to get started, get to know the rest of the team, and start building for success this season.”
Marcelo Carrusca
City continued to look towards experience in the pre-season and there was no better fit than the highly-credentialed Marcelo Carrusca. The midfielder has made over 100 A-League appearances as a Premiership, Championship and FFA Cup winner.
Like La Rocca, Argentinian-born Carrusca is an Australian citizen and does not take up a visa spot, looking to add South America flair to a midfield bursting at the seams with talent.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me; a lot of players want to play here at this Club and I want to be a part of what City are building, including its connection to its fans and its desire for more success.”
Don’t forget to follow Marcelo on Twitter and Instagram
🙌⚽️🔴⚪️ https://t.co/2XQR6tUEM7
— Marcelo Carrusca (@chelocarrusca) September 17, 2017
Marcin Budzinski
The Club welcomed another midfielder to the squad with the introduction of marquee player Marcin Budzinski. The Pole joins the Club after a career in Poland with KS Cracovia where he made over 200 appearances in the Polish Ekstralasa, representing his country at youth level.
Budzinski is a box-to-box midfielder who can play both in an attacking and defensive role and will look to add another dimension to Warren Joyce’s side.
“One of the reasons I joined Melbourne City is the ambition for success that every single person involved in the Club has. We are all here to play the best football we can, to work hard and to do our best to win for the fans.”
Ross McCormack
The final addition to the City squad is the injury replacement signing of Ross McCormack. The Scottish international joins the Club as the replacement to striker Bruno Fornaroli during his extended recovery period.
The prolific striker’s record in the English Championship speaks for itself with over 100 goals in the competition and will look to light up the A-League during his loan period from Aston Villa.
“I’m here to do a job for the team, support my teammates, work hard for the manager and represent the Club in the right manner. Hopefully I can show the fans what I can offer the team and I’m very excited about being able to represent this city and its fans at a great Club.”
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