Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has exited Premier League club Swansea City for Dutch outfit NAC Breda on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old joined Swansea on a two-year deal in July last year but failed to break into the first team.
Birighitti had trialled with Dutch club Willem II in April, while he was also linked with Championship club Barnsley as well as A-League champions Sydney FC.
Eredivisie club NAC Breda swooped for Birighitti on deadline day, signing him on a two-year contract with the option of a third season.
Despite Sydney's reported interest, Birighitti revealed Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold, an ex-NAC Breda player, had helped him decide to head to the Netherlands.
"I'm very happy that I can join NAC," Birighitti told the club website.
Australische doelman Mark Birighitti komt per direct over van @SwansOfficial. Welcome @MarkBirraz! 👏🏻 #NACpraat
— NAC Breda 💛🖤 (@NACnl) August 31, 2017
👉 https://t.co/xrhc4E2Z7C pic.twitter.com/yx9kKR7B0F
"Graham Arnold is a good friend of mine and has told me extensively about NAC. He came with the most amazing stories about the club and the supporters.
"This is an opportunity I want to take with both hands."
Birighitti could debut as soon as next weekend when NAC play AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie.
"There is a great challenge right now against AZ and I'm ready to perform," he said.
It is expected Birighitti will contend to be NAC's first choice goalkeeper, in light of Belgian custodian Jorn Brondeel's exit after a loan spell.
Andries Noppert, 23, has played all three of NAC's Eredivisie games this season, where the side has conceded 10 goals.
Goalkeeper @MarkBirraz is on the move this #DeadlineDay. All the best, Mark. 👍
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) August 31, 2017
📰: https://t.co/GvgvTmi7n0 pic.twitter.com/zvwMMaBLWP
The southern Netherlands-based club were promoted to the Eredivisie via the play-offs last season.
NAC director of football Hans Smulders told the club website: "We have been looking to strengthen our goalkeeper options.
"We have been looking for a keeper with high level experience. Mark fits well in that picture.
"He is a boy with great drive and top sporting ability. He wants to be better every day and not just individually but with the entire goalkeeper group."
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