Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan will play in the English Premier League next season after completing a move to newly-promoted club Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls for a disclosed club record transfer fee, subject to an international clearance.
Ryan joins the club from La Liga outfit Valencia where he signed in 2015, though he spent the latter part of last season on loan at Belgian club Genk.
“I’m over the moon to be honest to have it all sorted. It’s really exciting times coming up,” Ryan told FFA TV.
“It’s a great club obviously due to their achievements last year in the Championship to go up to the Premier League. It’s a league everyone wants to play in, arguably the biggest in the World.
“I’m really looking forward now to getting there after this Confederations Cup and contributing to the team.”
Brighton manager Chris Hughton said he was pleased to secure Ryan’s signature and believes his experience in Europe will hold him in good stead in the Premier League.
"I'm delighted that we've been able to attract Mathew to the club, and he will certainly be an excellent addition to the squad in time for our first season in the Premier League. We're very much looking forward to working with him for the season ahead,” Hughton told Brighton’s club site.
"For somebody of Mathew's age, he has very good experience, having played in the top divisions in Australia, Belgium and Spain. He has also competed in European competition and made a number of appearances at international level."