Caltex Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy has completed his transfer to newly-promoted Premier League side Huddersfield Town.
Mooy has signed a three-year deal from Manchester City to the Terriers – where he played on loan last season – on a club record deal of around A$20million.
The 26-year-old was a key figure in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, taking out their Player of the Season award as well as scoring a crucial penalty in the shootout win over Reading in the Playoff final.
“Playing for Huddersfield has been a fantastic experience this year and thanks to the fans, David, the owner Dean and all the team, I’ve grown to feel part of the Terriers family,” Mooy was quoted by AAP.
“Now we’re in the Premier League, not only do I get to play at the highest level of football, but I continue to be part of a team that achieved something special and we will continue on that journey together to try and achieve much more.
“I’d like to thank my former club, Manchester City, for the support throughout my time in the Championship and during my transition to Huddersfield.”
The deal makes Mooy the most expensive Australian signing ever in the Premier League, eclipsing the A$10.5m Leeds United paid Celtic for Mark Viduka in 2001.
HUDDERSFIELD COACH DAVID WAGNER ON MOOY DEAL
“Everybody who has watched our team in our promotion season knows how huge it is to have Aaron back at the Club as we enter the Premier League for the first time. I’m sure our fans will be very happy to see him back," Wagner told Huddersfield's official site.
“As I said many times last season, Aaron was right at the heart of our team. When he played well, we usually played well – and won.
“His performances for us understandably brought a lot of interest in him this summer, so it is a big statement that Aaron wants to return to us. I think he understands that playing so regularly for us at a good level improved his game too and now he has the chance to be a regular in the Premier League; something that is very exciting for every player.
“He is still a great age and has space to improve, which is exciting for us too."
REST BEFORE EPL SEASON KICKS OFF
Mooy will join up with Huddersfield for pre-season training in mid-July after a well-earned break following his exploits with the Caltex Socceroos at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Mooy's first EPL game will be at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on the weekend of August 12-13.