Former mentor Graham Arnold is certain Socceroos goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has made the right move to join La Liga club Valencia despite reported English Premier League interest.
Valencia are believed to have STG5 million ($A10.56 million) to acquire Ryan after his Belgian outfit Club Brugge gave the 23-year-old permission to complete his transfer to Spain.
Sydney FC coach Arnold, who guided Ryan’s rise through the A-League at Central Coast Mariners for three seasons, said the shot-stopper was perfectly suited to the Spanish game.
He said Ryan’s natural leadership and ability to distribute the ball from the back would make him a success at his new club.
“I think it’s a very smart move, going to Spain rather than England,” he said.
“It suits him much better, his style as a goalkeeper – it’s a fantastic move for him.”
Valencia are keen to strengthen at the back with first-choice goalkeeper Diego Alves sidelined until next year with a knee injury.
Ryan, who joined Brugge in May 2013 from the Mariners and was under contract for another three seasons, confirmed his impending departure on the club’s official website.
“If I pass a medical, I will indeed leave the club,” he said.
“This club went out of their way to keep me for an extra year, which made the choice even more difficult.
“I’ve had a great time here, but I feel that it is time to take another step.”
Ryan’s move will also be music to the ears of Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth, with the A-League club pocketing 15 per cent of the total transfer fee due to a contractual `sell-on’ clause.
Valencia finished fourth in La Liga in the 2014-15 campaign and will play in next season’s Champions League.
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Roar Guru
TERRIFIC MOVE although should Diego ALves get back to his best, assuming his best is just tht little better than Ryan, it'd be annoying to see Ryan on the bench - dynamite for Club Brugge and Socceroos.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
A bit of context, Mid, was Craig Foster saying that when Lauri McKinna was coach and it was a far less technical style to what it is now? Or was it during the Graham Arnold era, when he changed things considerably? Also, I'm pretty sure I've heard Foz say that the academy was a good thing. Not that I am Fozzie's biggest fan, mind, but I think context is a big thing.
Midfielder
Guest
I guess what I was saying is Alves is their number one keeper and has good reports still only 30 .. Matty has 5 to 6 months to show his stuff lets hope he can hold the number one spot and not become another bench sitter ...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Of course but there isn't a single club in the top 25-30 of Europe where there isn't a battle to keep the No.1 spot let alone at a La Liga top 4 club. Anyone who wants to play for these clubs needs to accept that there will always be someone clipping at their heels.
Midfielder
Guest
He will have a battle on his hands when Diego Alves comes back from injury
Midfielder
Guest
Is that Craig Foster saying sorry when he bagged the crap out of the Mariners for not being technical enough and never mentioned our training academies of which Matty is one of a number to be developed and move on to better things...
AZ_RBB
Guest
But by far the most difficult. There are probably thousands of professional GKs who spend all day every day training and honing their skills who would do anything to play for a club like Valencia. Maty Ryan is now with the true elite in world sport.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Staggering. 6 year deal with La Liga club. He's going to be a rich lad if he stays focused. You'ld reckon any Aussie kid, who likes to catch a ball & also has reasonable foot-skills, will now be aware that the best way to make a career out of sport - financially & get global recognition - is through Football.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Well done Maty, wishing you every success in La Liga & a long & glories career in the top flight.