Sydney FC have secured the services of highly-rated young talent Rhys Youlley as they gear up for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Youlley has inked a three-year contract with the Sky Blues after spending two seasons with Belgian Pro League side Westerlo, where he played alongside Socceroo Jordy Bos.
Recognised as one of “Australia’s most promising midfield prospects”, the 20-year-old midfielder made five appearances in the top flight for Westerlo and six across all competitions after transferring from Macarthur Bulls at the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
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“I’m truly excited about the developments happening here and I can’t wait to join the best team in the A-League,” remarked Youlley, who rose through Sydney FC’s academy and played alongside current star Adrian Segecic in the Under 13s and 14s.
“I’ve heard plenty of positive feedback from the likes of Sega, who I was with in the Sydney FC under 13s, and I understand just how committed everyone is to winning here.
“I think the vision that [Ufuk Talay] shared with me is really promising and I’m excited about the direction in which the club is headed.”
Youlley added: “My time overseas has been invaluable in helping me mature both on and off the pitch, and I believe I’ve become a more polished player as a result.
“I feel focused now and I have clear objectives that I want to accomplish.”
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Youlley’s signing marks another step in Sydney’s preparations for the upcoming season, having narrowly missed out on the 2024-25 Finals Series after a historic run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals.
Under Ufuk Talay’s guidance, Sydney have already re-signed Alex Grant and offered Gus Hoefsloot his first professional contract.
“Rhys is technically gifted, and he possesses great football intelligence,” Talay stated.
“He has a strong passing ability, poses a genuine threat at set pieces, and I believe he has the potential to develop into a complete central midfielder.”
“We are constructing a team with a distinct identity, and he fits seamlessly into that vision.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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