A-League Men: Perth Glory sign one-time Socceroo and WA goalkeeper Mark Birighitti on a two-year deal

Perth Glory have added some goalkeeping competition and depth with the signing of former Socceroo and WA product Mark Birighitti on a two-year deal. Birighitti, who has been capped by Australia at every level from under-17 to the Socceroos, is set to play join his hometown team for the first time in a career which has taken him around the A-League and across to Europe. With both Oli Sail and Cameron Cook having struggled for consistency over the past two seasons but still with one year left on their deals, Birighitti will be expected to challenge for a starting role. The 34 year-old’s move to Glory was strongly hinted at earlier this week when NPL WA outfit Perth SC announced Birighitti was leaving to pursue a professional opportunity, but would retain his role as the their junior goalkeeping coach. Birighitti spent the first eight years of his senior career playing for Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets, before he secured a move to then-English Premier League side Swansea City in 2016. A spell in the Netherlands with NAC Breda followed before further A-League spells with Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners saw him him claim back-to-back A-League goalkeeper of the year awards in 2021 and 2022. He then returned to Europe in 2022 and spent two seasons with Scottish Premier League outfit Dundee United. Birighitti said he was looking forward to stepping back into the A-League with Glory. “Coming back to Australia and playing for my hometown club is where my heart is and I am ready to give everything for the club and play my part in helping them achieve their goals. “Perth Glory means more than just football; it’s about representing my family, fans and everything Perth Glory stands for. “For me it’s not just a career move, it’s a personal journey. This city has shaped me into the player I am and I am proud to be back where it all started. “I want to give back on the pitch and I am ready to fight for every point for this club.” Glory football director Stan Lazaridis said Birighitti’s signing would add depth to their goalkeeping ranks. “We want to bring in quality players with a local connection that our members and fans are familiar with and Mark is a proven performer who has accumulated a vast amount of experience both in Australia and overseas,” he said. “He wants a fresh challenge and the chance to prove himself again as one of the very best goalkeepers in the A-League. “It’s vital to have serious competition for places in every area of the field and Mark will certainly provide that as far as our goalkeeping options are concerned. “Our other ‘keepers will benefit from him being on board and we are thrilled to be welcoming another talented and proud West Aussie into the fold as we continue to build for next season.”