Melbourne’s Maclaren off to India; Nashville bag Yazbek
Australia and Melbourne City striker Jamie Maclaren has ended speculation over his future by signing for Indian Super League side Mohun Bagan Super Giants.
The A-League’s all-time top scorer and five-time Golden Boot winner has penned a four-year deal with the Kolkata-based reigning champions following the conclusion of his contract with Melbourne.
Former captain Maclaren spent five prolific years at City having also had stints at Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Germany’s Darmstadt 98 and Scottish side Hibernian.
He scored 149 A-League goals and also netted 11 times in 32 matches for the Socceroos, with his most recent international call-up coming last November.
The 30-year-old was reportedly pondering several other offers but has opted to join two other Socceroos at Mohun Bagan in Jason Cummings and Dimitri Petratos.
Speaking in a post on the club’s official website, Maclaren said: ‘I’m really proud to have joined Mohun Bagan.
“I really can’t wait to get over to Kolkata and meet all the fans, new teammates and some friends I’ve played with before. It’s going to be a super exciting season and I can’t wait to get over there.”
Meanwhile, another Australia international, Patrick Yazbek, is also on the move after being snapped up by MLS side Nashville from his Norwegian club Viking FK.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who earned his first cap with the Socceroos’ senior squad in the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in March, will occupy an U22 Initiative roster slot at the US club.
Yazbek carded four goals and 10 assists in 95 appearances with boyhood club Sydney FC (2021-23) and with Viking.
“Patrick is a progressive midfielder who helps create scoring chances out of midfield with his robust and dynamic link-up play,” said Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs.
“His experiences with the Australian national team as well as playing in the top division in Norway at such a young age have already demonstrated unique attributes that should translate here in Major League Soccer.”
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