Sydney FC have secured the signature of one of Australia’s brightest midfield talents, with 20-year-old Rhys Youlley joining the Sky Blues on a three-year contract from Belgian Pro League side Westerlo.
The highly-rated central midfielder returns home following two seasons in Europe and plenty of international youth experience as the youngest player in the Olyroos’ AFC U23 Asian Cup squad last year.
Youlley is also expected to play a key role for the Young Socceroos in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup and will head to Argentina for friendlies on Sunday with Gus Hoefsloot, Zac De Jesus, Wataru Kamijo and Tiago Quintal.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay is excited to bring the former Sky Blue Academy player into his squad.
“Rhys is technically very good, he’s a very smart footballer with a high football IQ,” he said.
“He has a good passing range, is a real threat at set pieces, and I believe he can grow into a complete central midfielder.
“We are building a team with a clear identity and he fits perfectly into that vision.”
Youlley, who came through the Sydney FC Academy and played alongside current Sky Blue Adrian Segecic in the Under 13s and 14s, is thrilled to be returning to the club he once called home.
“I’m really excited about what’s going on here and I can’t wait to be a part of the best team in the A-League,” he said.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things from the likes of Sega who I was with in the Sydney FC under 13’s, and I know just how much everyone wants to win here.
“I think the project that [Ufuk Talay] explained to me was really good and where the club is headed.”
The young midfielder is known for his energy and vision on the pitch and believes his game aligns well with the Sky Blues’ style.
“I like playing fast, dynamic, exciting, front foot football and giving everything; and this style that we play means I’ll be able to really show myself.”
Having spent two years in Belgium, Youlley is confident that his experience overseas has helped shape him both as a player and person.
“My overseas experience really helped me grow on and off the pitch, and I’ve become a lot more mature and a lot better player.
“I think I’m really focused now and I’ve got goals that I really want to achieve.”
A regular in Australia’s youth national teams, Youlley has already represented his country 13 times across under 18’s, 20’s and 23’s.
“There’s no better feeling for a footballer than to represent your country and enjoying fantastic experiences playing against the top countries.”
Youlley will head to Argentina on Sunday alongside young guns Gus Hoefsloot, Zac De Jesus, Wataru Kamijo and Tiago Quintal.
He will wear the number 36 shirt and will link up with the Sky Blues squad when pre-season begins in late June.
