Tara Murray
Western United has made several changes to its list as the A-League Men’s transfer window closed.
Having had three players depart in the last few weeks, it had added three players, while another two had departed.
Michael Ruhs and Ramy Najjarine have signed contracts that keep them at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Connor O’Toole also joins the club.
Ruhs, joins the club from Central Coast Mariners, Ruhs has made 43 A-League appearances for the Mariners and Macarthur FC, with his talent also taking him to the FIFA under-17 World Cup with the Joeys in 2019.
Ruhs said he is eager to get to work with his new teammates and contribute straight away.
“I’m excited for the new challenge and joining the defending champions,” he told Western United media.
“I can’t wait to work with a Socceroos legend in John Aloisi and learn a new exciting style of play. With a front line of talented players I’m keen to get myself involved.”
Aloisi said he sees Ruhs as the perfect addition to United’s options in attack with his speed and dribbling ability.
O’Toole joins United having amassed 73 A-League appearances and joins the green and black to add quality and depth into the back four.
He said he is delighted to take on a new challenge in his career and is eager to place himself among United’s defensive players.
“I’m very excited, obviously the team won the championship last year so it’s exciting to join a successful team. I’m ready to kick on and help the team to try to make the finals,” he said.
“John Aloisi was a big drawcard for me. I worked with him for two years, I know what he’s like and what demands in terms of standards.
“Hayden Foxe has had success at every club he has gone to, so any chance to work under a coach like that is a great opportunity. The experience in the backline is crazy, so hopefully I can learn a lot.”
Najjarine, an Olyroo, joins the club from the Wanderers.
He said he is buoyed by the prospect of pulling on the green and black and is eager to show what he can do.
“I am very excited to join Western United and I look forward to meeting everyone,” he said.
“I’ve got high motivation to bring something different to the team and to help continue with the ongoing success of the club.”
Meanwhile, Luke Duzel and Nicolas Milanovic have departed Western United.
United announced that the club and Duzel had come to a mutual agreement to terminate Duzel’s contract.
The midfielder departs having made 16 appearances for the club, 13 of which came in the 2020-21 season.
Milanovic is returning home to New South Wales for non-footballing reasons. He played 36 games, including 15 this season.
