Western Sydney Wanderers FC can tonight confirm the signing of midfielder Jack Rodwell for the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Rodwell joins the Wanderers on a one-season deal after spending the last two weeks training with the Red & Black.
The former Premier League midfielder began his career in the youth ranks at Everton, the same club where he made his professional debut, going on to make 85 appearances over five years.
The talented midfielder made a two-season move to EPL giants Manchester City before stints at Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.
Rodwell said he was very excited to join the Red & Black.
“This move is really exciting for me, I’ve been looking at the opportunity to play in Australia for a couple of months and with my wife being from Western Sydney, the Wanderers was the perfect destination,” said Rodwell.
“Australia is like a second home to me, it’s my favourite country on earth, it’s where my wife and her family are from; we love the place.
“I honestly can’t wait to play. With the opening match being the Sydney Derby, everyone in my family will be there watching so it is a huge opportunity and something I am really looking forward to.
“I’d like to thank the club for this opportunity, and hope I can repay the faith they have shown in me.”
Head coach Carl Robinson said Jack was a great fit with the squad.
“We are delighted to have Jack part of our squad as he is a strong character with excellent leadership qualities,” said Robinson.
“He’s settled in excellently in such a short time, and fitted in well with the group sharing the same values and ideas we have here as a club.
“His experience speaks for itself and his signing his an opportunity for him to get back to enjoying his football in a positive and competitive environment.
‘We look forward to Jack being a great addition to our strong core group of players this season.”
CEO John Tsatsimas said Rodwell is an excellent final piece to the squad this season.
“Jack is a fantastic individual who has come to the club with great intentions and has already shown us what he is capable of in training,” said Tsatsimas.
“Carl (Robinson) has put together a strong squad this season, and the addition of a player of this calibre, with incredible experience at an elite level, will support our group and is sure to excite our members and fans.”
