Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership holders Melbourne City have added more international experience to their title-chasing squad following the signing of Finnish midfielder Thomas Lam.
Lam joins City on a two-year deal through to the end of the 2023-24 campaign and the 28-time Finland international brings European pedigree to Patrick Kisnorbo’s side.
The 28-year-old, who can also play in defence, came up against Jose Mourinho and eventual champions Roma in last season’s Europa Conference League during his time with Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia.
Lam also boasts significant Eredivisie experience, having amassed 160 appearances in the Dutch top flight via AZ Alkmaar, PEC Zwolle and FC Twente.
“I’m very excited to be joining a club of Melbourne City’s stature,” said Lam, who will join forces with former Eredivisie opponent Richard van der Venne at City.
“They have achieved great things on the pitch in recent times and I am determined to help the team win more silverware this season.
“I can’t wait to get to Melbourne, settle in and meet my new team-mates, coaches and the City fans.”
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Lam made seven appearances in the 2021-22 Europa Conference League, while he featured in 22 league games as CSKA Sofia finished runners-up to Ludogorets in the First Professional Football League.
While he called Sofia home last season, the Eredivisie is where Lam made a name for himself, particularly with PEC Zwolle.
At Zwolle, Lam made 140 appearances in two separate stints, playing alongside Australians Trent Sainsbury, Denis Genreau, Dean Bouzanis and Eli Babalj,
Lam – who spent time at Nottingham Forest in the Championship – was also in the squad that won the 2014 Johan Cruyff Shield against Ajax.
At international level, Lam has earned nearly 30 caps since his debut in 2015.
Lam, who featured in June’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina, was in Finland’s squad for Euro 2020, though he did not make appearance.
“At 28 years of age, Thomas is coming into his best years in football,” added City’s director of football Michael Petrillo.
“He is a player who has a great passing range with an ability to find through passes. Physically, his athleticism and mobility were key attributes that stood out to us.
“We identified him as somebody who perfectly fits the profile of the player we were looking for in our football style.”
