UPDATE: Risdon’s upcoming move to Western Melbourne has been made official, with the club and Risdon himself both releasing statements confirming the news.
Original story follows
Amidst rumours the Western Sydney Wanderers will be facing a roster upheaval this offseason, multiple outlets are reporting star defender and Socceroos player Josh Risdon has signed a multi-year deal with the Western Melbourne Group’s A-League expansion team.
He joins Greek-born Serie A star Panagiotis Kone as the only two official signings for the new club so far.
SEN is reporting the right-back had been in ‘advanced talks’ with the expansion side for some time and had also been mulling over a move to Europe at the conclusion of the season.
Terms of the supposed deal have not been specified or revealed, although most outlets are reporting it is for several seasons.
The 26-year-old has been a key cog in the Wanderers defence since crossing over from Perth Glory in 2017. He made his debut for Perth in 2010 as an 18-year-old, spending seven seasons with the club before moving across the country.
While only appearing in 18 games for Western Sydney last season, his departure would be a cruel blow for a side desperate to atone for what has so far been a miserable A-League campaign.
He made his Socceroos debut in 2015, before starting on the field in all three of Australia’s 2018 World Cup matches.
The new Melbourne team will join the A-League next season, playing their first two seasons in Geelong while their new facility is built in Tarneit.
Outlets are also reporting the Western Melbourne side will officially be named Western Athletic and will adopt a green and black colour scheme.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Westerners everywhere maybe just a little too ambitious & this was already done with Western Bulldogs & they are neither successful on or off the field. Western Melbourne united much better.
Maximus Insight
Guest
Punter, is this not the most ambitious franchise there has ever been? Does not Western United imply the uniting of all the Westerns everywhere?
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
I remember when Lionheart told us that he thought the Western Bulldogs was a West Australian team. A lot of non A-League fans will definitely think this team is a West Aussie side.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Must be a Melbourne thing, I agree have no understanding of this Western thing. I'm with RK2, just like Western Bulldogs I will think Western United as a WA team.
josh
Guest
They can have him, he was never good enough for WSW anyway.
alexp
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
R2k
Guest
I honestly can't see a definitive second sport in that WMG logo. Regardless green and black is somewhat unique in Australian sport so I have no real problem with the colours. I've always linked black hoops with the wanderers.
R2k
Guest
Good lord. I remember when I was a kid thinking the Northern Spirit in the old NSL played in the Northern Territory. Western Athletic or Western United feels like a generic WA team rather than a Melbourne side.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
BREAKING: The new team will apparently be known as Western United instead.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Green with a Black sash and Black shorts would be my suggestion.
Buddy
Guest
Good news all round really. If he is looking forward to leaving WSW, good for him, good for the club he is heading for and good for WSW who have just about seen the worst of him. His form has dipped since he joined and he has looked anything but a Socceroo.
Nick Symonds
Guest
NEWS - UPDATE ON TYRESE AND MARLEE FRANCOIS: https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/meet-the-aussie-teen-brothers-wanted-by-european-clubs
Fadida
Roar Rookie
Oldham Athletic?
Franko
Guest
Green and white would be much more preferable to green and black. Sassuolo Denizlispor Not much to go on (and for good reason)
Nick Symonds
Guest
The WMG website uses a logo with multiple sports and mentions a "sports precinct". http://www.westernmelbourne.com/ - As for the green and black, Sassuolo have green and black stripes and QPR had a third kit with black and green hoops so either of those could work. Or maybe they could go for a vertical two color split like Genoa. I wonder what pattern they'll use?
Franko
Guest
Athletic is great if they have sports beyond Football. Otherwise it is as authentic as Real Salt Lake in the MLS.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Western Atheltic is a good name. Athletic (Starting to use nicknames) are really building a good squad.