Melbourne City FC is delighted to confirm that promising youngsters, Connor Metcalfe and Moudi Najjar, have been upgraded to the senior list ahead of the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season.
Both Metcalfe and Najjar have impressed since the arrival of Head Coach Erick Mombaerts, which has seen them extend their respective contracts until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Melbourne City Head of Football, Michael Petrillo said:
“Elevating Moudi and Connor to the senior squad is something we feel these talented youngsters are ready for and believe this will help continue their progression into professional football,” Petrillo said.
“Both players have advanced as footballers and more importantly people over their time at Melbourne City and we as a Club have confidence in them to keep developing as senior footballers capable of pushing for first team selection this season and beyond.”
Since joining City’s National Premier League (NPL) program in 2014, 19-year-old Metcalfe has worked his way up the ranks. An impressive spell with the Club’s NPL side saw the midfielder earn a Foxtel Y-League contract in 2016. In July 2017, Metcalfe was elevated to City’s senior roster as a scholarship player following a three-year stint in the Club’s youth system.
Metcalfe made his senior debut for the Club in the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season, with an impressive cameo off the bench in City’s 2-2 draw with Central Coast at Central Coast Stadium in Round 16. So far this season, Metcalfe has been a key standout in City’s pre-season campaign.
Under Mombaerts, the teenager has started in City’s two FFA Cup wins, playing an important role in midfield. Metcalfe has demonstrated his ability to perform at the senior level, with great composure, vision and strength on the ball.
Connor Metcalfe said: “It’s been an exciting time for me in my career and I am thrilled to continue my time at City for the next two seasons.”
“I’d like to thank the Club for their faith in me and will continue to push myself every day.”
A promising striker, Najjar joined City from Western Sydney Wanderers Youth system in February 2018. Following a strong Y-League season, the 19-year-old earned his senior debut as a second-half substitute in City’s memorable 4-3 win over the Wanderers at AAMI Park in Round 15 of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season.
Like Metcalfe, Najjar has impressed under Mombaerts since the experienced Frenchman took charge. The big-bodied number 9 has displayed his ability to find space in the box, his pace and footballing smarts.
Moudi Najjar said: “My time at City has been amazing so far and to be a fully-fledged senior player with the squad is something that drives me to be better.”
“I’ll continue to show the coaches and staff the hard work and determination that has been a part of my game from day one.”
