Manchester City sign Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy
Manchester City have signed Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy from sister club Melbourne City, with the Premier League outfit loaning Anthony Caceres and Luke Brattan to their partner club.
Mooy, 25, has signed a three-year deal with the Premier League club while Caceres and Brattan move on loan for the 2016-17 season.
Mooy scored 11 goals and chipped in with an A-League record 21 assists in his first season with Melbourne and has twice being named the club’s Player of the Year since joining in 2014.
His form has carried him into the Socceroos contention, establishing himself as a firm favourite of national coach Ange Postecoglou.
Brattan moved to Manchester last October from Brisbane Roar and was loaned to second-tier Bolton Wanderers. But, after not playing a competitive minute for either club, the 26-year-old gets a chance to restart his career under John van ‘t Schip.
We can confirm @AaronMooy has signed with @MCFC, @caceresa10 & @lukebrattan sign on loan.
📰 https://t.co/oFYc2VSjC2 pic.twitter.com/JnE1DS0MRs
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) June 30, 2016
Caceres, 23, left Central Coast in January but was immediately loaned to Melbourne City in a deal that was widely seen as a way to ensure the Mariners received a fee for a prized asset. Transfer fees are banned between A-League clubs.
“Aaron is an extremely talented player who possesses the attributes we hope to foster and encourage within the City Football Group,” Brian Marwood, City’s managing director of football services, told Melbourne’s official website.
“Aaron’s move to Manchester allows us to further expose him to a high standard of opportunities to ensure his professional growth,” he said.
Melbourne head coach John van ‘t Schip said: “Aaron was a fantastic contributor. He is deserving of his new opportunity and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Mooy has won 16 international caps for Australia to date, having marked his debut with a goal in a 9-0 win over Guam in December 2012. He has scored five goals for his country in total.
The move isn’t Mooy’s first venture to Europe.
He was a youth player at Bolton, graduating to senior football at Scottish club St Mirren before returning to Australia as a foundation signing under Tony Popovic at Western Sydney.
