He has won titles in Brazil, Poland, the Netherlands and Turkey. Now, Marcelo Guedes is eyeing “big things” with Western Sydney Wanderers.
The former Lyon, PSV and Besiktas defender joins the Wanderers on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Marcelo spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign at Bordeaux in Ligue 1, having enjoyed four years at Lyon, where the 35-year-old Brazilian was a Coupe de la Ligue runner-up and Champions League semi-finalist.
“What brings me to Australia is firstly the project of the Wanderers for the season, we want to build a good team and we want to fight for big things,” said Marcelo.
“I have heard lots of good things from players and people that have played in Australia and I am sure it will not be easy as every league has its difficulties and particular qualities.
“I want to achieve the highest goals possible at the club. My individual goals are to always give my best for the team, learn with my teammates and fight for big things.
“As a group, I am sure we are going to be a big family and all go in the same direction to achieve this success.”
Marcelo won the league in his homeland with Brazilian club Santos before claiming the Polish Ekstraklasa with Wisla Krakow before clinching the cup double during his time at Dutch giants PSV.
After impressing at Hannover in Germany, Marcelo made the move to Besiktas and won back-to-back league crowns – he was a team-mate of former Adelaide United and Western United defender Ersan Gulum in 2015-16.
During his time at Lyon, Marcelo played alongside the likes of Memphis Depay, Ferland Mendy, Nabil Fekir, Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Dembele, Houssem Aouar and Lucas Paqueta.
Now he is part of a major overhaul at Wanderland, where Western Sydney haven’t played finals football in five seasons.
Lawrence Thomas, Zac Sapsford, Kusini Yengi, Romain Amalfitano, Calem Nieuwenhof, Aidan Simmons, Nathaneal Blair, Oliver Bozanic, Gabriel Cleur, Yeni N’gbakoto, Tom Beadling, Milos Ninkovic, Ruon Tongyik, Sulejman Krpic and Brandon Borrello have all joined.
“Marcelo has had an extensive career and has experience in the biggest leagues of the world,” said head coach Mark Rudan.
“Marcelo brings with him invaluable experience, drive and hunger, and we are delighted that he wants to be part of the project we are building here in Western Sydney.
“We wish him and his family safe travels to Western Sydney.”
