Brisbane Roar has won the battle to sign former English Premier League midfielder Tyrese
Francois.
The Sydney-born 26-year-old former Fulham and Wigan midfielder has signed a multi-season deal with the Roar after spending the past 13 years abroad.
It’s understood that Sydney FC was also keen to bring Francois back to Australia, but the Socceroos hopeful opted for Brisbane.
“I’m really happy to be joining Brisbane Roar,” Francois said.
“I’m excited, and looking forward to a new chapter back home in Australia.
“I can’t wait to get started, meet my new teammates and give my all for the fans.”
Roar sporting director James Gow said the signing of Francois, who made two Premier League appearances for Fulham, was a reflection of Brisbane’s “recruitment ambitions”.
“We’re very pleased as a club to bring a player of Tyrese’s quality to the football club,” Gow said.
“He’s gained immense experience as a footballer during his time abroad, which we are confident will see him impact the team positively.
“He is a player with a fantastic mentality, an excellent football IQ and a lot of technical ability. We look forward to seeing him get started.”
Francois, who has also had loan spells HNK Gorica (Croatia) and Vejle Boldklub (Denmark), was part of the Socceroos squad for a two-game series against New Zealand in 2022 but remains uncapped at senior level.
The former Australian under-23 representative’s younger brother Marlee made 29 appearances for Auckland across the past two seasons but has since parted ways with the A-League champions.
An understrength Roar outfit was beaten 4-0 by Indonesian club Dewa United at Banten International Stadium on Thursday.
Brisbane is set to field a stronger side on Saturday when the Roar’s pre-season tour of Indonesia concludes with a game against Persija Jakarta at Jakarta International Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC has signed highly touted 16-year-old Queenslander Zach Harrison.
The Australian under-17 representative striker has joined the Sydneysiders from the Roar, where he played for the club’s NPL team that was this season relegated,
“The way Sydney develops players and gives opportunities to young players made it an easy pick,” Harrison said after signing a three-year deal with the Sky Blues.
“I feel like I can really develop here and become a top player.”
Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo said: “Zach is one of the most exciting young attacking players in Australian football and we are delighted he has chosen Sydney FC.
“He is a natural goalscorer. He has very good movement, a real instinct for finding opportunities in and around the box and, importantly, he has that hunger to keep scoring and improving.”