Newcastle Jets have added some Irish wizardry to their midfield with after signing ex-Norwich City Premier League star Wes Hoolahan, subject to a medical.
Hoolahan, who played a decade with the Canaries in the Premier League and Championship, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League club from the Hunter Valley.
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The 37-year-old spent last season with Championship side West Bromwich Albion and had been training with League Two outfit Cambridge United until Ernie Merrick's Jets came calling.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play abroad and I’m delighted that I’ll be playing in Newcastle this season,” Hoolahan said.
“There are some quality players throughout the league and I’m looking forward to testing myself in a new environment.
“I’m really excited to be coming to Australia, it’s an entirely new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hoolahan, a Republic of Ireland international who made 43 appearances for the national team and featured at the 2016 European championships, is best known for his time at Carrow Road.
He scored over 50 goals and registered many more assists in over 300 appearances for Norwich, with four of the attacker's 10 years with the club coming in the top flight.
“Wes is a great get for us, he’s keen to come out and play in the Hyundai A-League and we’re confident he can bring a lot to the side,” Merrick said.
“He’s an attacking-minded midfielder who will fit seamlessly into the style of football we like to play, his passing range is superb and he’s great with the ball at his feet.
“Wes’ experience will be invaluable to us, from all reports he’s a model professional and the type of player that our younger guys will learn a lot from.”
Hoolahan joins Panamanian international Abdiel Arroyo, fullback Matt Millar and two-time Championship-winner Nick Fitzgerald as headline arrivals for the Jets.
Newcastle secured passage to the FFA Cup Round of 16 for just the second time in their history with a 3-2 comeback win over Melbourne Victory on Wednesday.
