Melbourne City FC midfielder Joshua Brillante has finalised his anticipated move to Xanthi FC, making him the club’s first Aussie purchase since the takeover, Xanthi FC board member Damon Hanlin confirms.
While spending last season at Melbourne City FC, Brillante gained a high reputation in the A-League with Sydney FC. The Australian was part of two A-League championship titles and one FA Cup title with the club.
Holding a dual citizenship due to his Italian heritage, Brillante had overseas spells in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in Italy. Brillante couldn’t secure enough game time, moving back to the A-League.
New Xanthi FC coach Tony Popovic will likely use Brillante as a foundation for building up the club, with the skipper likely to be only the first A-League singing made by the Greek club.
Xanthi FC were demoted to the second Greek football division this season before the takeover by Greek Australian business owner Bill Papas. Xanthi are using Tony Popovic and fellow Australians Zeljko Kalac and Arthur Diles as club assistants, hoping to bring the club back into the Greek Super League.
