Perth Glory can confirm that striker Gabriel Popovic has returned to the club on a short-term contract.
The 22-year-old, who made 13 ALM appearances for Glory during the 2019/20 season, has spent the past two seasons at Catania, the leading Italian Serie C club owned by Glory Chairman Ross Pelligra whose multi-club ownership model also includes Dubai-based side, Al Ittifaq.
Popovic, who has also gained experience playing in both Greece and Croatia, will be looking to press his claim for inclusion in Tony Vidmar’s Australia U-23 side as they target next year’s AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Ross Pelligra believes that Popovic’s move provides a demonstration of the benefits intrinsic to a multi-club ownership model.
“I am resolutely committed to utilising the multi-club ownership to move and develop players, providing them with the right club in their career journey,” he said.
“The return of Gabriel to the Perth Glory fold is the natural next step for him in our support of his ongoing career development and international aspirations.
“With the insights from Vince Grella (Vice-President of Catania and Group Technical Director) and his collaboration with the local market club coaches, we are excited at the prospect of developing Australia’s best young talent and providing them with a natural, aspirational overseas pathway to fulfil their footballing and human potential.”
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Striker Popovic completes Glory return from Catania
