Perth Glory has announced the signing of midfielder Yianni Perkatis, joining the club on a short-term deal this season as they look to clinch the A-League title.
The former Western Sydney Wanderers man joined on a short-term deal which runs to the end of the current Hyundai A-League campaign. The 26-year-old is a former Australia Under-17 and Under-20 representative who made eight Hyundai A-League appearances during two seasons at Wanderers under current Glory Head Coach, Tony Popovic.
Perkatis, who also enjoyed two successful spells at NPL NSW club Blacktown City, tried his luck overseas at Cypriot side Ethnikos Assia and in the Philippines with Global FC before returning to Australia in 2017 and linking up with Sydney United.
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Glory Football Director Jacob Burns, himself a former Sydney United midfielder, believes that Perkatis is an excellent addition to the squad.
“Yianni has been a standout in the NPL NSW since returning from his time overseas,” he said.
“We do, of course, have strong links with Sydney United through both Head Coach Tony Popovic and myself and have been aware of Yianni’s impressive form for some time.
“He’s a talented, versatile midfielder who can play in the middle or at the back if required and he will add quality and depth to our squad during the busy period we have ahead.
“We’re confident that he will grab this opportunity with both hands and in doing so, press his claim to secure a longer-term deal with the club.”
Perkatis himself, meanwhile, is understandably relishing the prospect of returning to Hyundai A-League action.
“I was thrilled when Tony Popovic told me there was a potential opportunity for me to come and join the Glory squad,” he said.
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“I’m now really excited and looking forward to coming into the squad and getting to know the other players.
“I’m aiming to develop as a player and as a person, help the club to win a trophy and explore any opportunities there might be with Perth going into next season.”
Perkatis will join fellow Greek Australian Sydney boy Chris Ikonomidis, who is still recovering from a severe knee injury.
