Sydney FC has signed highly rated Australian Under 17 Asian Cup right back Zac De Jesus on a three-year contract.
The prodigiously talented Joeys defender attracted a lot of interest following some outstanding performances in last month’s Asian Cup tournament.
His promotion to the Sky Blues Isuzu-UTE A-League Men’s squad from Sydney FC’s Academy comes after several equally impressive matches in the NSW NPL Men’s 1 competition.
The Wollongong born full back is a lifelong Sydney FC fan and turned down other offers to sign for the Sky Blues.
“If there was any A-League club to go to it was always Sydney FC; I’m so excited,” he said.
“I believe this is the best A-League club to be at and I feel comfortable already, but I want to prove myself on the pitch at the same time.
“It was one of my goals to at least train with the A-League squad this season but I am grateful and happy to get the offer of a contract.
“The standard is so much better and I’m learning a lot, however I’ve got hard work ahead of me if I want to make my debut this season.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica believes De Jesus has the potential to achieve his goals.
“Zac has shown some excellent qualities, he likes to get forward a lot but is also a good defender and is strong in the tackle.
“He can take on players and cross the ball and has good speed to get into attacking positions to create opportunities for us.
“He is talented and has the ability, if he works hard, to have good opportunities this season.”
De Jesus joins new signings Matt Scarcella, Mitch Glasson and Gus Hoefsloot in graduating from the Sky Blues’ Academy and is the club’s 20th player in this season’s roster.
He is the sixth signing of the off-season following the re-signings of Patrick Wood and Joel King.
Sydney FC A-League Men’s 2023-24 Contracted Players
Andrew Redmayne
Joel King
Jack Rodwell
Joe Lolley
Robert Mak
Pat Wood
Anthony Caceres
Adrian Segecic
Max Burgess
Rhyan Grant
Corey Hollman
Jaiden Kucharski
Luke Brattan
Jake Girdwood-Reich
Aaron Gurd
Adam Pavlesic
Matt Scarcella
Gus Hoefsloot
Mitch Glasson
Zac De Jesus
