The move to Europe comes less than three years after making his senior side debut at the age of just 18 when he replaced the injured Jess Vanstratten in the first team.

After a shaky start in his first nervey game against Sydney where he was responsible for the sky blues' goal in a 1-1 draw, Ryan very quickly settled into the role and became a standout keeper in the A-League, with 12 cleansheets in his first season.

He trialed in the UK last year and was linked with a move to Rangers in January but overnight Brugge - where Paul Okon once played - confirmed they had snared the twice-capped young Socceroo.

"I had been looking forward to move to a European team and I couldn't have chosen a better one than Club Brugge," said Ryan today.

"I have had talks with a couple of Australian players who have played in Belgium, like Frank Farina and Paul Okon. They were very positive about Club Brugge."

He added: "My strong points? I would say I am quite complete as a goalkeeper. I'm good with my feet, which I believe to be a big asset for a dominant team."

Bruges sporting director Arnar Gretarsson welcomed Ryan, 21, to his new club and hailed his prodigious young talent.

"Ryan is a young goalkeeper with a huge potential," he said. "He has been playing three years for the Australian top team Central Coast Mariners.

"Despite of his young age he has gathered a lot of experience and he has been elected twice as best goalkeeper of Australia. This year he has celebrated the title with his team in the A-League.

"Another asset of Ryan is his attitude and mindset. He fits the Club Brugge philosophy perfectly."

The Mariners today revealed they had agreed a fee for Ryan despite the player being a free agent after his last contract with the A-League side expired.

They also negotiated a percentage of his sell-on fee for any future transfer of Ryan out of Brugge.

Mariners general manager Peter Turnbull thanked Ryan for his service to the Mariners and wished him well in the future.

“Today is a proud day for our football club,” Turnbull said. “Club Brugge are one of the most respected clubs in Europe.

"They have a long, proud history and a strong record, like us, of taking players to the next level in their careers.

“We commend Mathew for his effort, professionalism and performances while at the Mariners and wish him great success in the Belgian Pro League and with the Qantas Socceroos in the future.”