Sydney FC has completed the signing of former Serie A midfielder Leo Sena on a two-year deal from Agua Santa.
The 28-year-old Brazilian plays as a defensive midfielder and has featured in this morning’s friendly clash with Macarthur Bulls at Sky Park.
Sena was transferred to Italian side Spezia Calcio for €1,250,000 ($AU2,000,000*) in 2020 following a successful loan spell.
The midfielder helped the club remain in Italy’s top-flight where he played against Juventus, Inter and Lazio among others, and his stats included being the second most fouled player in Europe’s top-flight competitions, behind Jack Grealish.
Sena’s form helped secure a transfer in excess of €10,000,000 ($AU 17,000,000*) to Italian giants Fiorentina before a second wave of Covid put an end to his move.
The Brazilian headed back home and switched to the Bulgarian first division at the start of last season.
The Sao Paulo-born star can’t wait to begin his Sky Blue career.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to play for a great club in a highly competitive league,” he said.
“I’ve had an excellent few days since my arrival here and I have a very good feeling about this season.
“We have some exciting young stars as well as some smart, more experienced players, and I think it’s a great mix to challenge for silverware.”
Sena’s career began in Brazil playing for Serie B club Goias, for whom he made over 130 appearances, scoring eight goals.
He enjoyed promotion to the country’s Serie A in 2018 and a successful 10th placed finish a season later.
It earned him a $AU1,000,000* transfer to Brazilian giants Atletico Mineiro which preceded his transfer to Italy.
Sena has spent the past two days undergoing medical testing prior to putting pen to paper at Sky Park.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay is very pleased to have captured a player with his experience.
“Leo is a quality individual and I’m delighted we have signed him,” he said.
“He is a great age for us and will give our young players the benefit of his experience.
“He has a fantastic engine for a midfielder, he keeps the ball incredibly well, makes quick, early decisions and has an excellent range of passing.
“He’s a good tackler too so I’m looking forward to watching him integrate into the squad.”
Sena will wear the number 15 shirt.
*approximate conversion
