As the countdown to their first ever A-League match continues, Macarthur FC are still adding to their squad.
Their latest catch is a good one: experienced Spaniard Beñat Etxebarria.
The former Athletic Bilbao central midfielder becomes the third international of the A-League newcomers.
Beñat will join the Bulls after completing the mandatory 14 days quarantine for people coming to Australia from overseas.
The 33-year-old spent the past seven years at Bilbao, amassing 251 appearances in La Liga including Europa and Champions League.
Beñat has represented the Spanish national team on four occasions and will provide an enormous boost in experience to the Bulls in the upcoming season.
Macarthur FC head coach Ante Milicic, who was thrilled to have reeled in Beñat, welcomed him to the club.
“Having played on some of football’s greatest stages including the Champions and Europa Leagues against some of the biggest names in the world, a player of his calibre does not become available too often,” Milicic said.
“He brings a wealth of experience from the top leagues in Spain and will be extremely beneficial for the younger players in the squad to learn off.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him join our group,” Milicic said.
Meanwhile the A-League draw for the 2020-21 season is yet to be released by the FFA, but there’s talk around the Macarthur region the Bulls will play their first home game at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in round two, which will be in early January 2021.
The Bulls are set to travel to Gosford to face the Central Coast Mariners in round one, which is scheduled to kick off on December 27.
Macarthur FC held a successful fan day at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, which included a trial match against Macarthur Rams and Bankstown, pictured above and below..
