Brisbane Roar have announced the signing of Olyroos back-up keeper Jordan Holmes from National League side Ebbsfleet, continuing the current trend of Australians returning down under from overseas sides.
Holmes will be available for tonight’s FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against the Peninsula Power, having spent time with the Bournemouth Academy in England since 2013.
The Sydney-born gloveman describes the move as years in the making.
“I haven’t been home for a while due to COVID and with this massive opportunity and for the way of life, Australia was the best way to go for me” Holmes said.
“I’ve watched quite a bit of the league and got a lot of friends that play in the A-League. Obviously the Roar has a great a history, a very successful past. Hopefully I can help with that winning mentality and help bring some titles back here.
“But first and foremost for myself it’s about playing some quality games and getting that consistency at the top level.”
This move is emblematic of the increased number of Australian players returning to play in the A-League.
To illustrate, in addition to signing Holmes, the Roar added Nikola Mileusnic to their stable, arriving from Randers FC in Denmark after a campaign where he struggled to integrate himself into the set up.
Melbourne-based clubs have also been active in their endeavours to ensure that Socceroos current and former return to Australia with Matthew Leckie signing for Melbourne City from an extensive stint in Germany.
The Victory also acquired the services of Josh Brillante from Xanthi in Greece and Jason Davidson from a troubled stint in Korea with current Asian Champions League winners Ulsan Hyundai.
The Jets signed Brillante’s teammate at Xanthi in the form of Matthew Jurman, and also added former Melbourne Victory and HJK Helsinki player Dylan Murnane to their ranks.
Moreover, in addition to Holmes’ return to Australia, goalkeeper and long time custodian of the Socceroos Brad Jones returns to Western Australia with the Perth Glory after over 20 years overseas playing for the likes of Middlesborough, Liverpool and PSV.
Young and burgeoning prospects also deem Australia as a viable home for development with relatively unknown commodity yet eager midfielder and Olyroo Nicholas Pennington signing for the Wellington Phoenix from the Italian Serie B and 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup star Noah Botić signing for Western United.
Western Sydney’s recruitment strategies involve placing an engrained emphasis on signing players who possess an inextricable connection with the region, with several players signed for the upcoming campaign having returned from overseas.
The Wanderers’ successful off-season culminated in the acquisitions of Saudi Arabian-based duo in Rhys Williams and Dimi Petratos (on loan), while Terry Antonis arrives from K-League side Suwon Bluewings.
