Alexander Baumjohann has wasted no time in outlining the scale of Sydney FC’s ambitions after joining the Sky Blues from rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
Baumjohann, 32, inked a two-year deal with the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions on Tuesday following his exit from the Wanderers in April.
The German playmaker – formerly of Bayern Munich and Schalke fame – is the second statement signing made in the off-season by Steve Corica’s side, who also captured Kosta Barbarouses from Melbourne Victory in June.
“I’ve played for big clubs before where it was all about winning trophies. There’s no excuses – we want to win everything we play for,” Baumjohann said.
“I came here to win trophies and feel I’m at the right place.”
The ex-Wanderers star also said he’s relishing the chance to play alongside the likes of Milos Ninkovic and Adam Le Fondre next season.
“I think the style of football that Sydney played last season suits me perfectly,” he said.
“When you play alongside good players it makes you even better.”
27 – @SydneyFC recruit Alexander Baumjohann created a scoring chance once every 27 minutes and 55 seconds in @ALeague 2018/19, the second most frequent of any player in the competition (Dimitri Petratos – 26:52). Plans.
— OptaJason (@OptaJason) July 2, 2019
With Baumjohann and Barbarouses secured, the Sky Blues have made a massive boost to their title defence.
Despite their poor 2018/19 season, Baumjohann shone for the Wanderers in his maiden campaign and showed why he is an ex-Bundesliga talent just shy of 100 appearances.
Meanwhile, Barbarouses enjoyed his most prolific Hyundai A-League season to date, scoring 15 goals for Victory after a shift to a more central striking position.
“As far as I’m concerned, Kosta and Alex are the best at what they do,” said Sydney boss Corica.
“We want to bring the best players into the club, best people as well. We believe we’ve done that.”
