NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers today completed the signings of Golgol Mebrahtu and Daniel Mullen until the end of the 2015/16 season.
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers today completed the signings of Golgol Mebrahtu and Daniel Mullen until the end of the 2015/16 season.
While unavailable to take part in the Wanderers- current Hyundai A-League campaign due to squad roster limits, both players will first be utilised in the AFC Champions League with the Wanderers kicking-off their campaign on 26 February against 2012 ACL Champions Ulsan Hyundai at Pirtek Stadium.
Mullen, 24, joins the Wanderers following two seasons in China with Dalian Aerbin (which included a brief loan deal in the Hyundai A-League last season) and has a wealth of experience both playing in Asia and in the ACL where he was part of three separate campaigns with Adelaide United including their stellar run to the 2009 Final.
Mebrahtu-s progress has been tracked by the Club for some time and the 23-year-old-s signing is seen as a boost for the squad-s offensive options.
First appearing in the Hyundai A-League in the 2009/10 season, Mebrahtu has made 52 Hyundai A-League appearances for his two previous clubs.
Wanderers Head Coach Tony Popovic said he was happy to bolster the squad before the busiest period in the Club-s short history with two key signings.
“I am extremely happy to have both these players join our club, initially for the (AFC) Champions League campaign but also for next season-s Hyundai A-League,” said Popovic.
“The signing of both these players provides us with greater depth offering us a variety of options in attack and defence and giving us extra strength to compete in what will be a very busy period for the Club.
“While we can only include them in our ACL squad for the time being, we have signed the two on longer deals as we are very positive about the contributions both players can make to our Club.”
Mebrahtu said he was excited to be joining the Wanderers and his immediate focus is on working hard to prove himself on the training pitch.
“I-m very pleased to be joining the Wanderers, it-s a great opportunity and I-m really looking forward to working with the coaching staff and my new teammates,” said Mebrahtu.
“It-s an amazing opportunity to have the chance to play in a competition that is so prestigious like the AFC Champions League. I am looking forward to getting started with the squad right away. My immediate focus is working hard to bring my best to the team, the Club and its amazing fans.”
Mullen was equally pleased to be returning to the Hyundai A-League and for another shot at the AFC Champions League.
“I-m really happy to be joining a Club I have heard so many good things about. The Wanderers have already achieved a lot in such a short time so it will be special to be a part of,” said Mullen.
“The ACL is a great challenge and I hope I can add something to the team to help us progress in the competition. While A-League football will be down the track I am really happy to be back in the country and look forward to the challenge ahead.”
Both players will commence training with the squad on Tuesday.
PLAYER DETAILS
Golgol Mebrahtu
Born: 28-Aug-90, Khartoum, Sudan
Height/Weight: 185cm/78kg
Position: Attacker
Australian representative honours
U-23 – 2012 Olympic Games campaign (1 appearance)
Junior clubs
Brisbane Olympic, Northern Districts (Brisbane)
Club career
Brisbane Strikers (Qld)
09/10 Gold Coast United (Australia) 6 appearances (0g)
10/11 Gold Coast United (Australia) 8 appearances (0g)
11/12 Gold Coast United (Australia) 12 appearances (0g)
12/13 Melbourne Heart (Australia) 14 appearances (4g)
13/14 Melbourne Heart (Australia) 12 appearances (0g)
Daniel Mullen
Born: 26-Oct-89, Adelaide
Position: Defender
Height/Weight: 185cm/85kg
Socceroo honours: 1 appearance, v KUWAIT 2009
Other Australian representative honours:
U-20 – 2009 U-20 World Cup (Egypt)
U-23 – 2012 Olympic Games campaign
Junior club:
Modbury Vista (Adelaide)
Club career:
2006 Para Hills (SA)
2007 Australian Institute of Sport
2008 Australian Institute of Sport
08/09 Adelaide United (Australia) 13 appearances (0 goals)
09/10 Adelaide United (Australia) 13 appearances (0g)
10/11 Adelaide United (Australia) 13 appearances (1g)
11/12 Adelaide United (Australia) 19 appearances (1g)
2012 Dalian Aerbin (China) 15 appearances (1g)
12/13 Melbourne Victory (Australia) 9 appearances (0g)
2013 Dalian Aerbin (China) 12 appearances (0g)
