The Newcastle Jets can announce the signing of Venezuelan international, Ronald Vargas from AEK Athens – subject to a medical assessment.
Vargas, who boasts 122 appearances for Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht, will join the Jets on a one-year deal – bolstering the attacking stocks of Ernie Merrick’s new look squad.
The attacking midfielder made 50 appearances for AEK Athens during his recent two-year stint with the club, complementing his 23 caps for the Venezuelan national team.
Jets’ boss, Ernie Merrick was excited about the addition of Vargas to his playing roster for the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season.
“To have a player of Ronald’s quality and experience join the club is massive for us,” said Merrick.
“He’s an exciting, international player with experience in some of the finest leagues in the world and his inclusion goes a long way to completing our squad.
“Ronald will offer a great deal to our play in the front third and is the perfect fit for our team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he can combine with the likes of Dimi Petratos, Roy O’Donovan and Andrew Nabbout to create goal-scoring opportunities.
“We’ve said all along that we would wait for the right player and that has paid dividends for us, we’ve now got a player who I feel, can take the game by the scruff of the neck with his skill at the set piece and in general play.”
Jets CEO, Lawrie McKinna said this latest signing was further signal of positive change.
“We’ve taken great strides since Ernie’s appointment earlier this year, and I think fans are beginning to see the rewards of the hard work that’s been put in across the club,” said McKinna.
“To attract a player of Ronald’s calibre tops off the many positive things we’ve seen both on and off the pitch during pre-season.
“Joel Griffiths has been an integral part of making this deal possible, his professionalism, persistence and hard work has been they key in getting this deal over the line.
“Fans can look forward to seeing an attacker, a goal-scorer and an all round quality footballer once the (Hyundai) A-League kicks off in early October.
Vargas will arrive in Australia on Sunday 17 September – with a medical thereafter – before the official confirmation of his signing.
