The Newcastle Jets have agreed terms for the transfer of midfielder Josh Brillante to join Italian Serie A Club ACF Fiorentina, subject to a medical.
Brillante will travel to Italy this weekend to finalise his move to the Europa League outfit.
Brillante departs Newcastle after two seasons with the Jets, having made 46 Hyundai A-League appearances.
The 21-year-old was named Newcastle Jets Player of the Year at the conclusion of the 2013/14 campaign, having excelled as both a central midfielder and right fullback.
Brillante’s performances for the Jets earned him a call-up to the Socceroos’ 30-man preliminary squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Brillante said he is excited to begin a new chapter in his football career.
“I’m very excited to be joining Fiorentina and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Brillante said.
“I’ve had an amazing couple of years at the Jets and I’m very thankful that I came to a Club like Newcastle who develop young players and give them an opportunity.
“Having the chance to play regular first team football has helped my game improve a lot and it is a big reason why I’ve been able to achieve things like playing for the Australian national team.
“The Jets Members have been fantastic over the past couple of years and I’d just like to thank them for their support.
“Newcastle will always be a part of me now and I’ll be keeping an eye on the Jets and hoping the Club does well in the future.”
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby wished Brillante well with his move to Europe.
“As a Club we take great pride in in the way Josh has grown and developed as a footballer during his time at the Newcastle Jets,” Middleby said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Josh to join a Club which is competing in one of the toughest leagues in world football and will also playing be in the Europa League next season.
“On behalf of Members and everyone at the Club, I’d like to thank Josh for his services and wish him all the best with his move to Fiorentina.”
Originally Posted by Grimario
