Sydney FC have pulled off a surprise coup and signed former Western Sydney Wanderers German attacking midfielder Alexander Baumjohann on a two-year deal.
He's the Sky Blues' second major off-season signing after they picked up New Zealand forward Kosta Barbarouses from Melbourne Victory.
Baumjohann arrived at WSW last season after almost 100 appearances in the Bundesliga, with a Championship and German Cup success next to his name from his time at football giants Bayern Munich.
Baumjohann also won the German Super Cup during his time with Schalke and has made appearances in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and the Europa League.
The 32-year-old made 20 appearances last season with Western Sydney Wanderers and scored three goals in a disappointing season for the red and black.
“I’m very excited and very happy to sign for such a big club like Sydney FC,” Baumjohann said.
“I came to Australia last year not knowing a lot about Australian football. However, it didn’t take me long to see that Sydney FC is the biggest club in the country by far and in all aspects of the game.
“Sydney FC’s style of football fits well with my ability and I can see there are a lot of good quality players here as well.
“I believe we will continue with the same success as the club has had in recent years this season.”
Sydney coach Steve Corica said he was excited to have a player of Baumjohann’s calibre on board.
“Alex is a fantastic player of proven A-League quality and we have all witnessed just how influential he can be on the field,” said Corica.
“I know he is keen to show everyone he can produce even more and he believes Sydney FC is the best environment for him to do that.
“With Le Fondre, Barbarouses, Buhagiar and Ivanovic we have an enormous amount of pace up front; and to have a player like Alex sitting behind them pulling the strings, alongside others, is extremely exciting.”
Related Articles
The real Baumjohann set to shine in derby
Reasons to be excited about Sydney derby
