Former Leeds & Blackburn striker ‘very excited’ to take on Wanderers ‘challenge’

Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson on a two-season deal.

The 32-year-old arrives in the Isuzu UTE A-League after one season at Saudi club Al Adalah where he scored six goals in 16 games.

Throughout his career Antonsson has been a regular in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. A youth player at Unnaryds GoIF, Antonsson has played for Halmstads BK, Kalmar FF, Malmo FF and IFK Värnamo in his homeland.

In 2016, Antonsson joined English club Leeds United, and across the following two years played in the English Championship and League One for both Leeds and Blackburn Rovers (on loan).

Antonsson has played in both the UEFA Champions League (four times) and Europa League (21 times) throughout a near-400-game career.

INS AND OUTS: Isuzu UTE A-League 2023-24 Transfer Centre

Upon signing for Western Sydney, Antonsson expressed his excitement at arriving in Australia for a new challenge.

“Ever since first contact was had, I have had a very good feeling about this move to the Western Sydney Wanderers,” he said.

“I feel very excited to take on this challenge and I can’t wait to go out there in front of our members and fans who I know are amazing.”

Wanderers boss Marko Rudan added: “We are very proud to have a player of Marcus’ calibre join the Wanderers for the next two seasons. He is not only an experienced player but a natural leader, that we welcome into a fantastic group of players.

“His technical skill and ability will help guide our next generation of Wanderers players coming through the ranks and we are very excited to see him in action.

“We would like to wish him and his family a very safe trip to Australia in the coming weeks.”