Sydney FC have signed promising young defender Ben Warland until the end of the 2018/19 season, the club confirmed today.
The 21 year old centre back has been a member of Adelaide United’s squad since 2014, having progressed through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), and also boasts four caps for the Young Socceroos.
He has played six times for the Reds in the A-League this season, having last pulled on an Adelaide shirt when he helped eke out a 0-0 draw at Coopers Stadium against the Sky Blues earlier this month.
The South Australian born youngster also played against Sydney FC in the FFA Cup Final and will link up with the Sky Blues immediately complementing our defensive stocks heading into a busy period of Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League football.
Warland said he was excited by the opportunity to represent the reigning Champions.
“The chance to join the best club in the league doesn’t come around every day, I’m really excited and grateful to be joining the Sky Blues,” Warland said.
“I’ve seen the standards set by the club, it’s a professional environment I want to be a part of, and I’ll give my all to defend the club’s titles and put our stamp on Asia.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m keen for the year ahead.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold said Warland would fit in perfectly to his side and provide ample competition for places during the busiest period of the season.
“Ben is a young left footed central defender with a great attitude and a will to learn, and he’ll provide us with another option in defence heading into a hectic schedule,” Arnold said.
“I’ve watched him from afar for a while now and I’m impressed by the potential he’s shown. He’ll possesses all the right traits to be a Sky Blue and he’ll fit in well with this squad.
“I’m looking forward to working with Ben and I welcome him to Sydney FC.”
Sydney FC return to Hyundai A-League action on Friday night against the Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7:50pm AEDT) in a ‘mates night out’ clash with two GA tickets priced at $40.
AFC Champions League Memberships are now available! Purchase yours and be at Sydney Football Stadium for our three blockbuster Group Stage clashes as we go on our #QuestToBeTheBest! Click here to secure your seats.
