Melbourne City have bolstered their defensive options by signing Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes for the new A-League season starting in October.
Hughes, 35, will add the A-League to his long international and English Premier League career after signing a one-year deal with John van `t Schip’s side.
Hughes said former Newcastle United teammate Damien Duff, who impressed in his stint with City last season, put the club on his radar.
“He pretty much said if I didn’t do it, he would never speak to me again,” Hughes laughed.
“It’s a great opportunity to go and try something new … it was an easy decision in the end to come here and bring my family here as well.”
The signing is unlikely to impress fans seeking a big-name glamour signing similar to those enjoyed by sister club New York City FC, such as superstars David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.
But the Ulsterman, who played with English Championship outfit Brighton and Hove Albion last season, brings experience and versatility to City’s defence.
Van `t Schip said Hughes’ ability to play in each position across the back four makes him a terrific asset for the coming A-League campaign.
“Aaron is an extremely experienced professional and is an excellent addition to our squad,” he said.
“He brings with him a vast amount of Premier League and international experience which will be of great benefit to the team and his qualities will greatly strengthen our defence.”
Hughes still features at international level for Northern Ireland, playing most recently last month in a friendly with Qatar.
Northern Ireland, ranked 37 in the world, are on track to qualify for their first European Championship and Hughes suggested he would continue his international commitments.
“We find ourselves in a really good position where we find ourselves in a qualification place,” he said.
“We’re hoping it’s our turn now and we can push and make the Euro … the confidence in the squad at the moment is huge.”
Hughes is City’s fifth signing in the off-season and joins Socceroo Ivan Franjic as major defensive acquisitions since their semi-final finish in May.
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Roar Guru
Melbourne City and Sydney FC are probably winning the transfer market race so far - they are really the only teams needing a big impact on the market Also heard Mooy may leave, i think he should - if he is getting some more international minutes and performing like he did last summer, along with his experience at a young age abroad, mooy is a prospect for the next few years and should make the jump now, if not now then definitely next season to a place where he will be starting. His most likely destination i believe is England, having played their for Bolton and other clubs in the United Kingdom, he has had interest from the Championship and i think Belgium and Switzerland.
Waz
Guest
He's 36 as soon as the season kicks off. Strange signing this one, if he's good it'll be seen as a stroke of genius if he falls over injured then a dumb waste of a visa spot!
scott
Guest
He should give City some depth at the back but I still think they still need another left back. They also still need another attacking mid and a striker. They need to release Koren, who was solid but not outstanding last year (if you've got a marquee they need to be outstanding. Not necessarily a big name but a high level player). They should fill 2 of those 3 positions with an Australian marquee and an international.
Bondy
Guest
Does he come with arthritis ?. Lol Lol ...
nordster
Guest
Which is why more than "patience" is required. ;) "If it’s taken MLS 20 years to get to this stage, I’d expect HAL to be able to offer suitable financial enticements by mid 2020s." By then they will be further ahead of the HAL again. Unless there's a big population influx you're not telling us about? They are what 10-15 times our size?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
By money I mean, achieving a suitable Return on the Investment. I would expect the 2015/16 return on investment for Pirlo playing for NYCity in MLS to be much higher than the ROI for Pirlo playing for MelbCity in HAL.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Of course it is about the money, but the A-League already has marquee allowances. There is no excuse, other than lack of will. What is stopping Man City from buying a marquee player and sending him to play for Melbourne City?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
It's all about money. When will HAL be able to offer wages that make Australia a realistic destination for players to move straight from the top leagues of Europe. The MLS competition has been operating for 10 years longer than HAL. If it's taken MLS 20 years to get to this stage, I'd expect HAL to be able to offer suitable financial enticements by mid 2020s. Patience required.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
We don't need marquees we need silverware. Having said that, a gun striker that can manage more than 4 games before heading off to NYC would be tremendous :)
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Villa; Lampard; Pirlo...............Hughes? When's the bling going to happen at MCity?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Don't know anything about this player, but people who follow his career suggest he's still a very capapble defender. He's currently in the Northern Ireland squad for European Qualifiers and, after 6 group matches & 4 matches to play, Northern Ireland are 2nd in Group F & on track to qualify for France 2014.
Fadida
Guest
Poor signing unless on the most basic wage. Duff was great but 35 yo defenders on one year contracts don't achieve much. City need a proper marquee.
Gareth
Guest
Apparently he only managed 10 appearances in the championship last season. No doubt he is experienced, but I'm wondering whether he is able to keep up, he will be 36 come round 4.
Stephen Martin
Guest
We're going to need a bigger marquee.