Wanderers eye Brattan as Babbel looks to rebuild

Western Sydney Wanderers are seeking to lure off-contract Melbourne City midfielder Luke Brattan as they gear up for next season’s residency at brand new Bankwest Stadium.

Luke Brattan

Source: Icon Sportswire

But the Wanderers might face competition from Sydney FC should the unsettled Josh Brillante land a deal in the K-League next month, potentially leaving a vacancy for the Sky Blues to fill.

The also off-contract Brillante came close to joining Pohang Steelers in March, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute.

To further complicate matters Brattan - who was still officially on Manchester City’s books last season whilst on loan at City - is also eyeing a K-League move.

The transfer window re-opens in the Korea Republic on 1 July.

At 29, it might be Brattan’s last chance to secure another offshore opportunity after his dalliance with Manchester City.

The Premier League Champions subsequently loaned the Brisbane Roar product to Bolton back in 2016 and then on to their Melbourne satellite, where he has spent the last three seasons.

There is also an offer on the table to re-sign with coach-less Melbourne City, but on terms not viewed as advantageous by the Brattan camp.

The Wanderers, meanwhile, see the creative Brattan as the ideal replacement for departed German Alexander Baumjohann as they set about rebuilding after cutting 11 players last month.

Brattan made 25 appearances last season under Englishman Warren Joyce - whom he endured an at times testy relationship with - scoring four goals and claiming four assists.

Wanderers, whose coach Markus Babbel is due back from a trip to his native Germany at the end of June, are keen to conclude a deal and may not be prepared wait too long for an answer before possibly looking elsewhere.

Brattan’s agent Zeljko Susa declined to comment when quizzed over his future, with a Wanderers official following suit when approached by The World Game.


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2 min read
Published 6 June 2019 4:56pm

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