A 13-year veteran of France’s top division will lead the line for the Bulls this season after Valere Germain agreed to terms for a two-year deal with Macarthur FC.
The Bulls have landed a major coup with the signing of the 33-year-old who brings pedigree and experience to Macarthur’s attack ahead of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
A former France youth international, Valere joins the Bulls from Ligue 1 club Montpellier, having previously had spells with French giants Monaco, Marseille and Nice.
A skilful forward that is equally adept at creating as he is at scoring, Germain is one of France’s most established domestic forwards having amassed over 300 appearances in the top flight of his homeland.
Germain has an acute eye for goal and has found the net on over 100 occasions throughout his career.
“Valere is an attacking player that has played in one of Europe’s top leagues for over 13 years,’’ says Bulls coach Mile Sterjovski.
“He’ll bring quality and experience into our team and lead by example. I am really excited about the prospect of how he will combine with our other attacking players, such as captain Ulises Davila.’’
Germain’s move to the Bulls represents his first foray outside of his homeland and the experienced striker is itching to commence the next chapter of his career as he leads the Bulls’ strike force in Australia and Asia, with Macarthur competing in the 2023/24 AFC Cup.
“It’s my first experience playing in another country, so I am very happy and excited to be here in Australia,” Germain said.
“I want to show my qualities and help the team. I have had 13 years playing in the top division in France and that experience will help the club and the players.
I am a striker who can score, who can assist but I like to defend and help the team. I want to meet the fans soon and I want to give them a great season in the A-League, the Australia Cup and the AFC Cup.”
In other club news, the Bulls have signed former Socceroo Matthew Smith as the new assistant coach for the Isuzu UTE A-League squad.
Macarthur FC have also bagged Young Socceroos’ forward Raphael Borges Rodrigues. The 19-year-old winger will call South Western Sydney home for the next two seasons.
And Australian youth international Kristian Popovic will provide a boost to the Bulls’ midfield engine room after also signing a two-year deal with Macarthur FC.
The promising 21-year-old says he’s delighted to join the South Western Sydney club and seal his return home after a three-year absence, having played his club football in Greece and Croatia since 2020.
