Football Italia
·15 July 2024
Mathew Ryan: Who is Australia goalkeeper heading to Roma
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Football Italia
·15 July 2024
Roma have been linked with a surprise move for Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who has reportedly agreed personal terms to join on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old shot stopper is currently a free agent following the conclusion of an 18-month spell with AZ Alkmaar, where he kept 25 clean sheets across 64 matches, being their first-choice option between the sticks.
Roma have been looking for an experienced alternative to Mile Svilar ahead of the new season, wanting a backup for the talented 24-year-old Serbian goalkeeper, and have now set up a deal for Mathew Ryan, who is available as a free agent.
Mathew Ryan started his professional career with the Central Coast Mariners in his native Australia in 2010, where he spent three years before heading over to Europe, joining Club Brugge. A strong two-year spell followed before he left for Valencia, where he struggled to make an impact.
In 2017, the Australian shot stopper joined Brighton for €6m and quickly became a mainstay in the squad, playing 123 times across a four-year spell that also included a brief loan with Arsenal. He struggled to find his footing after this, having two short experiences with Real Sociedad and FC Copenhagen before eventually joining AZ Alkmaar last year.
Internationally, Mathew Ryan has made 93 caps for Australia since his debut in 2012, representing them at three World Cups and three Asian Cups.
Mathew Ryan is an experienced and confident goalkeeper, who is known for his ability to play with the ball at his feet. He impresses as a sweeper-keeper and would seemingly be a strong backup for Svilar.