Despite facing stiff competition from European and Asian clubs, Central Coast Mariners were able to lure Paul Ayongo from Portugal to the A-League club.

Paul Ayongo Signing

  • Central Coast Mariners have signed striker Paul Ayongo.
  • The Ghanian joins from Portuguese Segunda Liga side Academico Viseu.
  • Ayongo was a long term target of Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery.

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The A-League latest international import has been announced by Central Coast with their signing of striker Paul Ayongo. ย The 25-year old joins Mariners from Portuguese Segunda Liga side Academico Viseu.

While Ayongo is originally from Ghana, he has played the totality of his professional career in Portugal having migrated to the country aged 16. ย He made his senior debut with Portuguese third division side Amarentre FC in 2015. ย 

After three seasons he moved to Portuguese second division side Paรงos Ferreira, were he was briefly loaned to opponents Mafra, before joining Academico Viseu. ย In total he has played 126 senior matches in Portugal, scoring 53 goals in the process.

โ€œPaul has been on our scouting list since I was promoted to the A-League last season," said Central Coast head coach Nick Montgomery upon signing Ayongo.

"We know the player well and after his name came across our scouting network multiple times, Sergio and I arranged a zoom call to convince him that the Mariners would be a good move for him and his career.

โ€œPaul is a very popular player at his previous clubs, due largely to his outstanding work rate and his honesty on and off the pitch.

"One thing we know about Paul is that he wonโ€™t back down and with his arrival, it will create more competition for places within our forward line, which pushes everyone to be better and is the only way to be successful.

โ€œWe successfully fought off interest from other clubs in Europe and Asia for Paul and Iโ€™m delighted that we can secure his signature for the next two years."

The two-year deal means that Mariners will have Ayongo in their side until the conclusion of the 2023-24 A-League season.

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