Wellington Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay has signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Yan Sasse, adding a fifth player to his squad capable of filling one of two number 10 roles in the Phoenix formation.
Yasse, 25, arrives from Brazilian club América Futebol Clube (America Mineiro). He has accrued 47 appearances in the Brasileirão Série A, has also played for Coritiba FC and Vasco da Game in his home country, as well as Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor.
Yasse arrives after the recent signing of Bulgarian playmaker Bozhidar Kraev to give genuine competition to David Ball, Ben Old and Oskar van Hattum for the two number 10 roles in attacking midfield.
“We’ll have good depth in the front line once we sign a striker. It gives us alternatives,” Talay said upon Yasse’s arrival.
“We bring in visa players to be different to our local players. They need to bring some sort of difference to our game but being a visa player doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to start.
“The season is long, and players will all get their opportunities to be able to showcase themselves.”
Yasse will wear number 31 for the ‘Nix this season; the Brazilian has already joined the first team squad in Sydney and could make his club debut on Wednesday night in the Australia Cup Round of 16 against Melbourne City.
Talay added: “I’ve spoken to him over the phone and he seems like a very good person and like he’ll be a good character in the changing room.
“I’m just looking forward to working with him.”
