French winger Yeni N’gbakoto has joined Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 30-year-old arrives in Australia with CV starting at St Metz, and includes 31 games and three goals with Queens Park Rangers in 2016 in the Championship in England.
In recent seasons he has played for Guingamp in France, powerhouse club Panathinaikos in Greek’s Super League, although his move to the A-League comes off the back of relegation with Nancy from France’s Ligue 2.
He is a DR Congo international, although his last cap came five years ago, and he represented France’s youth sides 44 times, scoring 10 goals, between 2008 and 2010, including helping them qualify for the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
Wanderers boss Mark Rudan, who now has lured Lawrence Thomas, Zac Sapsford, Kusini Yengi, Calem Nieuwenhof, Aidan Simmons, Nathaneal Blair, Oliver Bozanic, Gabriel Cleur to the club, said: “Yeni will be bring an intensity and speed that we need in our squad this season and is a fantastic asset to have in the attacking third.
“He (Yeni) has proven himself at multiple clubs in Europe at some of the highest leagues and that experience will be invaluable for the club this season.
“We welcome him and his family to the Wanderers and wish them safe travels to their new home in Western Sydney.”
Born in Croix in France, N’gbakoto started his junior career at St Clemenceau before 185 appearances and 44 goals at Metz from 2009.
His move to the Wanderers is his first foray outside of Europe.
“I was filled with enthusiasm by the sound of the project at the Wanderers as soon as my agent told me about it,” said N’gbakoto.
“I had spoken to players who played and are still playing in the A-Leagues who had told me good things about the competition.
“I also had a meeting with the Boss Mark (head coach Mark Rudan) who motivated me. His speech, his way of seeing football, his ambition and most importantly his relationship with the families of the club. He makes me feel comfortable and confident, and I am looking forward to playing under his leadership.
“I want the Wanderers to be the Champions. I want to score, assist and win many games. I want to enjoy my football with my fellow players.
“I want to give myself the means to be an important player for the team and be part of the project for the long term.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, the staff and all the people who work for the club, and the fans.
“Let this new challenge start.”
