Melbourne City have announced the departure of one goalkeeper as well as the signing of another on Wednesday.
Former Liverpool gloveman Dean Bouzanis has joined the club after a fruitless stint at the Western Sydney Wanderers, against whom he will be available for selection in Saturday night’s clash at AAMI Park. He has penned an initial deal until the end of the current season.
Wanderers CEO John Tstsimas thanked the 25-year-old for his contribution, particularly during the club’s dream run through the 2014 AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
“We thank Dean for his 18 months with us which saw him win an AFC Champions League Winners Medal and perform so admirably for us at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco,” he said.
Bouzanis will replace 28-year-old shot-stopper Tando Velaphi, who has been released by City in order to pursue other opportunities overseas.
Coach John van’t Schip said the outgoing custodian was a picture of professionalism throughout his 21-game stay at the Bundoora-based club.
“Since arriving at the club, Tando has been a model professional and has developed into a mature and talented goalkeeper,” van’t Schip said.
“Tando was a popular figure not only in the change rooms but with the fans and I’m sure they will join with me in wishing Tando all the best for the next challenge in his career.”
Meanwhile, across town, Melbourne Victory have announced the acquisition of young Hume City winger Jai Ingham.
Ingham has trained with Victory for a month and, like Bouzanis, will immediately be eligible for selection in Victory’s upcoming clash in Geelong against Central Coast Mariners.
The 22-year-old played against Victory for Hume in this season’s FFA Cup semi-final, in which he put in an eye-catching performance.
Ingham says he is proud to have signed with a club of Victory’s ilk.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to officially join such a proud and successful club like Melbourne Victory,” Ingham said.
“I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to train with the squad … I’ll be working as hard as I can to get an opportunity to represent Victory in the A-League.”
Queenslander Ingham spent time with Brisbane Roar in 2013, debuting for the senior team in 2014, but was released soon after and made the move south, going on to make 28 appearances for Hume in the 2015 NPL Victoria season.
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