Wellington Phoenix have signed defender Luke DeVere from Brisbane Roar as a replacement for skipper Andrew Durante.
DeVere has ended his second spell with the Roar after managing just five games last season. The 29-year-old, who made 116 appearances in all competitions across his two stints in Brisbane, has signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix.
Wellington's new coach Ufuk Talay has now signed four players in the space of 11 days as he gears up for his first campaign in charge since replacing Mark Rudan.
Talay said: "Luke is a highly experienced defender in this competition so his knowledge and attitude will be crucial as we look to progress on from next season.
"At only 29, Luke is one of the most accomplished centre-backs in the A-League and will no doubt be a huge asset here in Wellington."
The Phoenix are hoping DeVere will have better luck than during his time at Brisbane, when he has been dogged by knee problems.
The central defender, who played once for Australia in 2015, started his career with the Roar and then spent four seasons with Korean club Gyeongnam FC before returning.
His signing comes after Durante, who has made an A-League record 313 appearances, followed Rudan to expansion club Western United.
The 37-year-old, who was a Grand Final winner with Newcastle Jets, departed the Phoenix after 11 seasons.
Durante is one of 13 players to have left the club since the end of last season, the latest being defender Tom Doyle who was out of contract. Doyle made 83 appearances overall for the Phoenix and started 13 games last term.
Wellington Phoenix are 25/1 to win the 2020 Grand Final. Meanwhile, Australia are 20/1 to win the Women's World Cup.##
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Wellington Phoenix have signed defender Luke DeVere from Brisbane Roar as a replacement for skipper Andrew Durante.
DeVere has ended his second spell with the Roar after managing just five games last season. The 29-year-old, who made 116 appearances in all competitions across his two stints in Brisbane, has signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix.
Wellington's new coach Ufuk Talay has now signed four players in the space of 11 days as he gears up for his first campaign in charge since replacing Mark Rudan.
Talay said: "Luke is a highly experienced defender in this competition so his knowledge and attitude will be crucial as we look to progress on from next season.
"At only 29, Luke is one of the most accomplished centre-backs in the A-League and will no doubt be a huge asset here in Wellington."
The Phoenix are hoping DeVere will have better luck than during his time at Brisbane, when he has been dogged by knee problems.
The central defender, who played once for Australia in 2015, started his career with the Roar and then spent four seasons with Korean club Gyeongnam FC before returning.
His signing comes after Durante, who has made an A-League record 313 appearances, followed Rudan to expansion club Western United.
The 37-year-old, who was a Grand Final winner with Newcastle Jets, departed the Phoenix after 11 seasons.
Durante is one of 13 players to have left the club since the end of last season, the latest being defender Tom Doyle who was out of contract. Doyle made 83 appearances overall for the Phoenix and started 13 games last term.
Wellington Phoenix are 25/1 to win the 2020 Grand Final. Meanwhile, Australia are 20/1 to win the Women's World Cup.##
Source: bet365.com