A-LEAGUE MEN: Sydney FC sign German playmaker Anas Ouahim from Dutch side Heracles
Sydney FC’s first visa signing under Ufuk Talay has been confirmed, with German-Moroccan attacking midfielder Anas Ouahim joining the club on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old joins the Sky Blues from Dutch club Heracles, where he made 55 appearances and scored 10 goals before being loaned out to Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.
Described by the club as an attacking midfielder, the German-born player has also played on the left wing and further back in central midfield. He is expected to be one of two players signed by Sydney to shore up their midfield following the departure of captain Luke Brattan.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ouahim told the club’s website he’s not here for a “good time”, but rather to win trophies as the club competes across the A-League Men, Australia Cup, and the revamped Asian Champions League 2.
“I know the club has a big history and is famous for their very good football in Australia.
“I’m excited to meet the team and the staff and of course to play in the A-League and Champions League will be exciting.”
Ouahim isn’t quite on the same level of name recognition as has been associated with Sydney in recent years, but he is significantly younger than many of the import players signed by the Sky Blues since inception.
His spot in the side will see him compete with experienced midfielder Anthony Caceres, as well as a handful of players younger than 20, as Sydney looks to improve on their 4th place finish from last year.
Caceres had cemented his spot in the side as the pressing playmaker, but Ouahim’s arrival could see him move further back into the defensive midfield position alongside Corey Hollman.
Beginning his career at FC Köln, he played for a trio of clubs across three tiers of German football before a move to Heracles in the Dutch second tier, where he won promotion to the Eredivisie.
Ouahim won’t be the only visa signing made by coach Talay, with another foreign midfielder still being eyed by the club as well as a striker to replace departed Brazilian forward Fabio Gomes. A centre-back is also on the wish list with Jake Girdwood-Reich and Jack Rodwell’s exits.
The Sky Blues also gained Adrian Segecic back from his overseas loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht, with the highly-rated youngster expected to be a key piece of the puzzle after the loss of Slovakian winger Robert Mak.
Sydney begins their 2024/25 season on July 30 in the Australia Cup, where they play Victorian National Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons. The Cannons produced an infamous cupset against the A-League heavyweights in 2022, and will be looking to repeat the trick.
