Australian international goalkeeper Matthew Ryan signed a six year contract with Spanish side Valencia from Belgian outfit Bruges on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old — who played for Australia at last year’s World Cup finals — has been at Bruges since 2013 but Valencia signed him because they believe he has the qualities required to play in the Champions League — they are in the play-offs having finished fourth in La Liga last term.
Valencia president Layhoon Chan, who has been in charge since Amadeo Salvo stepped down on July 1, said it hadn’t been easy finding a goalkeeper who could meet the challenges of the Champions League.
However, Chan said Ryan — who played 58 times for Bruges last season as they finished second in their league race — fitted the bill.
“Matthew maybe young, but he is ambitious and has great potential,” Chan was quoted as saying on the club’s website.
“What is more he has experience at both European and international level, notably at last year’s World Cup finals.”
By AFP