Just a month after being released by Malaysian club Negeri Sembilan, former Melbourne Victory forward Andrew Nabbout has joined the Newcastle Jets for the 2016-17 A-League season.
The 23-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract after a successful one-week trial under head coach Scott Miller.
Nabbout scored nine goals in 14 games for Negeri Sembilan in the Premier League, including a cracker in the Malaysia FA Cup at the iconic Larkin Stadium against eventual champions Johor Darul Ta'zim.
"The Jets are the perfect team for me to join," Nabbout told the club's official website. "I want to do everything I can this year to play.
"I have a point to prove and I want to repay the faith that Scott has put in me."
NEWS: @andrewnabbout added to Jets' @ALeague roster » https://t.co/DamJjdrQoB #ALeague #TogetherWeCanSoar pic.twitter.com/hxnUP1vBfd
- Newcastle Jets (@NewcastleJetsFC) July 19, 2016
Nabbout came up through the Melbourne Victory youth ranks and played 36 games over three years for the senior team before making the move to Malaysia at the end of 2015.
He could make his competitive debut for the Jets against his old club in the FFA Cup next month when the two clubs clash in the Round of 32 on Aug. 3.
"Andrew impressed us during his week-long trial and has been identified as a player that demonstrates the right technical qualities we are looking for to further develop our squad and to create a competitive environment," Miller said.
"His ability to play numerous positions in the final third is attractive, and his addition will provide the coaching staff with flexibility in regards to our systems and styles of play."
Since Nabbout and fellow Australian Joel Chianese were cut by Negeri Sembilan, the Seremban-based club have lost consecutive matches in the Malaysia Cup and Malaysia Premier League. Their places were taken by ex-Brisbane Roar winger Henrique and French-Serbian striker Goran Jerkovic.
Negeri head coach Phillips congratulated Nabbout on his new career move.
"Personally I was very disappointed to have lost Andrew during the transfer window, however, he was always destined for an A- League return," Phillips told ESPN FC.
"His attitude and work ethic are qualities deep in his blood and he will give everything to Newcastle and I wish him well."
Phillips is no stranger to the Newcastle Jets, having coached their W-League side almost a decade ago. And his current Negeri captain Taylor Regan is a former Jets' skipper and local product.