Western Sydney Wanderers signed experienced French midfielder Romain Amalfitano for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Amalfitano, who once featured in the Europa League with Premier League club Newcastle United, played over 200 games over eight seasons with Dijon, helping them gain promotion to Ligue 1.
The 32-year-old also spent a season with Melbourne City star Florin Berenguer at Dijon in 2013-14.
Amalfitano enjoyed two seasons with Al Faisaly in the Saudi Professional League – the home of Socceroos forward Martin Boyle, where he won the King’s Cup and was the runner-up in the Super Cup.
Amalfitano is the third Wanderers signing heading into the 2022-23 A-League Men campaign, after Lawrence Thomas and Zac Sapsford.
“Romain is a fantastic professional with great pedigree having played in the top-flight of French and Saudi Arabian football,” said head coach Mark Rudan, who is rebuilding his squad after the Wanderers missed the finals for a fifth consecutive season.
“We welcome his experience and quality to the playing squad and expect his character to fit in well with the culture and environment we are transforming at the club.”
In 2021-22, Amalfitano scored four goals in 17 league appearances for Al Faisaly, having scored once the season prior.
Amalfitano – the younger brother of former Marseille, West Ham and Lille midfielder Morgan – added: “I wanted to discover another league and a new culture for my family.
“I had spoken to head coach Mark Rudan on the phone and he convinced me to come to Western Sydney because he has ambitions for the club and for the fans.
“I hope to have the best possible season but I am a team player, so the most important thing is that we go as far as possible in our objectives.”
