Australian goalkeeper, Mark Birighitti has become the latest new addition to Warren Joyce’s Melbourne City squad as the Club sets its sights on a title-winning season.
After 17 appearances for Eredivisie side, NAC Breda, Birighitti signed a three-year deal with City to keep him in Melbourne until 2021.
Originally from Perth, the 27-year old adds more valuable experience to City’s squad with a strong understanding of A-League football following over 80 appearances for Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets over an eight-year period. Birighitti also represented Australia 38 times at U17, U20 and U23 level before making a senior team appearance against China in 2013.
“Mark is one of Australia’s brightest goalkeeping talents and we think he’s got a lot to give in this stage of his career” said Head Coach, Warren Joyce.
“He communicates well on the field, is a solid shot-stopper and good with his feet. He’s also shown he’s adaptable to different playing styles throughout his career in Australia and Europe.”
Birighitti has also featured for Varese Calcio (four appearances) in Italy’s Serie B and with Swansea City (six U23 appearances) in the UK.
“I’m pleased to be returning to Australia and to join a club with genuine title aspirations and a group with talent like Melbourne City is very exciting,” said Birighitti.
“I’ve worked hard over the past couple of seasons and learnt a lot which I hope to put that to good use this season and challenge for a regular place in the team.”
With Dean Bouzanis having left Melbourne City on a one-year loan deal to PEC Zwolle, Birighitti joins Eugene Galekovic and youth-team product, James Delianov as goalkeeping options for Warren Joyce ahead of the new season.
Following the recent signing of Florin Berenguer, in addition to earlier signings, Riley McGree, Lachlan Wales, Rostyn Griffith, Michael O’Halloran and Anthony Caceres, Joyce’s squad is settled, well-balanced and working towards the Club’s first match against Melbourne Victory on 20 October.
