Football
Ed Jackson 4y

City sign experienced Spaniard Susaeta

Experienced Spanish forward Markel Susaeta has signed with Melbourne City for the remainder of the A-League season.

The 32-year-old, who played more than 500 times in the Spanish La Liga for Athletic Bilbao, was available on a free after a stint in Japan with Gamba Osaka.

Susaeta is City's first signing of the January transfer window and will be available immediately for coach Erick Mombaerts before Saturday's visit by struggling Newcastle to AAMI Park pending visa approval.

"Markel is a player that is well suited to the style of game we have implemented under Erick and a player who will add flair, potency and experience to our front third," City director of football Michael Petrillo said.

"We have been tracking Markel for quite some time now so to be able to get him into the squad is testament to the club and its ability to attract a player of Markel's pedigree."

Capped once by Spain in 2012, Susaeta was a member of the Bilbao team that played in the UEFA Europa League final that same year.

He made more than 60 continental appearances for his hometown club before joining Gamba Osaka in September last year.

Susaeta's arrival comes days after City agreed to terminate Uruguayan forward Javier Cabrera's contract after less than a year at the club.

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