‘Elite level’ Sotirio joins Piscopo, O’Neill and Buhagiar at the Jets

Newcastle Jets’ squad for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season continues to take shape with the signing of star attacker Jaushua Sotirio.

Sotirio makes the move to Arthur Papas’ Newcastle on a two-season contract, the Jets announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old is the fourth new arrival in Newcastle, where former Wellington Phoenix team-mate Reno Piscopo, ex-Perth Glory captain Brandon O’Neill and former Sydney FC forward Trent Buhagiar now call home.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Jets. They have a great community behind them with passionate fans who create a great atmosphere at home games,” said Sotirio.

“I can’t wait to work with Arthur Papas and his coaching staff. After speaking to him and hearing about his ambitions for the club I couldn’t wait to join.

“His attacking style of play suits me and I’m determined to help this club succeed.”

Sotirio joins an attacking line-up that now features Buhagiar, Beka Mikeltadze and new addition Piscopo.

Sotirio spent three seasons in Wellington, where he scored 25 goals in 146 matches for the Phoenix.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers attacker found the back of the net six times in 20 A-League Men appearances last season.

“We are excited to welcome Jaushua Sotirio to the Newcastle Jets for the next two seasons,” added Jets manager Papas.

“Jaushua is coming to us at a peak age and off the back of his most prolific season where he was joint top goal scorer at his last club.

“He has accumulated a lot of experience, is hardworking and possesses a mentality to succeed.

“Football-wise we have gained an explosive player who can play across any position in the front third, possesses elite level physical qualities and compliments the way we want to evolve our football next season with and without the ball.”