Western Sydney Wanderers FC have tonight agreed to terms with defender Gabriel Cleur from Virtus Entella for the next three Isuzu UTE A-League seasons.
The Wanderers have agreed to a deal with the Italian side for the transfer of the defender who is set to return to Western Sydney for the first time in his senior career.
The former Marconi and Wanderers Academy junior signed a deal with Virtus Entella in 2016 and is set to play in his first season of the A-Leagues with the Red & Black.
During his time in Italy’s north, Cleur had loan stints at both Robur Sienna and Alessandro, before securing consistent first team minutes with Virtus Entella in the Serie B competition.
Head coach Mark Rudan welcomed Gabriel to the club.
“We are very proud to bring Gabriel back to Australia to play for his hometown club,” said Rudan.
“Gabriel has been through a number of challenges during his time in Italy and has gained a lot of football and life experience as a result.
“We welcome him and his family back to the Red & Black and wish him a safe journey back to Western Sydney.”
Cleur said he was excited to play for his hometown club.
“I’m always in the mindset of trusting God’s plan and coming back to Australia was definitely one of those things that just happened to open up,” said Cleur.
“I grew up in Western Sydney, in the Fairfield/Wetherhill Park area and played my junior football at Marconi so the Wanderers was an easy choice for me.
“I have been following the league ever since I’ve left Australia, I watch games here and there, in the morning before training or during breakfast.
“So I have seen the league and the quality it has. People overseas may underestimate it at times but it definitely is a challenging league. I’ll be expecting a physical game and to come up against some individually skilful players in the attacking third.
“I was actually part of the Wanderers Youth League squad back in the day before I left to go overseas. It was at the time of the Asian Champions League and domestic league success so I have always have this impression and view of the Wanderers being one of the biggest teams in Australia.
“I hope that I can play my part in rebuilding and pushing for Finals and Asian football again. At an individual level, I want to keep on learning and gaining experience.
“Growth and learning never stops in football.”
