Carl Jenkinson is back in the Isuzu UTE A-League after the former England international was prised to Australia by Newcastle Jets.
Ex-Arsenal and West Ham full-back Jenkinson has signed a two-year deal, having spent the second half of the 2021-22 A-League Men season on loan at Premiership winners and Grand Finalists Melbourne City.
During his time at AAMI Park, Jenkinson made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals, as City won back-to-back ALM Premierships, reached the Grand Final and enjoyed an unbeaten AFC Champions League campaign.
Jenkinson – who spent eight years at Arsenal – was a free agent at the conclusion of his contract with Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest.
“I’m happy to be here and to sign for the Jets,” the 30-year-old said. “I want to bring the best of myself to the team and try to get the best out of everyone else around me.
“Having met the lads I can already see it’s a great group and I’m excited to see how far we can go this season with a lot of hard work.
“I knew within five minutes of speaking with Arthur he was a manager I wanted to play for.
“We have a similar outlook on the way the game should be played and I know he has big ambitions for the club moving forwards. I’m excited to be a part of this team and I will give my all to achieve something special here.”
Jenkinson was part of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team that hoisted the FA Cup aloft at Wembley in 2014, overcoming Hull City 3-2 after extra time.
Jets manager Arthur Papas added: “Carl has experience at the highest levels whilst also possessing a clear understanding of the A-League.
“Carl’s signing is a coup for the club and the region to attract a player of Carl’s pedigree to Newcastle.
“Carl is able to fill any position across the backline, suits our attacking way of playing and will play a key role in taking us a step closer to achieving our ambitions.”
The Jets have been busy in the off-season, signing Brandon O’Neill, Reno Piscopo, Jaushua Sotirio, Trent Buhagiar, Mark Natta and Rory Jordan.
