Ghanaian forward Paul Ayongo has expressed his excitement to experience life in Australia after completing his move to Central Coast Mariners.
The 25-year-old joins the club on a two-year deal after successful negotiations and passing his medical.
Ayongo made 67 appearances over two seasons and was involved in 21 goals, scoring 18 of them and assisting three during his stay at Académico de Viseu.
"I am really looking forward to coming to Australia and making an impact on the A-League and hopefully scoring a few goals in the process," he said after putting pen to paper.
"I’ve heard great things about the Central Coast and I am excited to get to know the boys and work with Monty [Nick Montgomery] and Sergio [Sergio Raimundo – Assistant Coach]."
He was born in Ghana and played football with Charity Stars until the age of 16 where he migrated to Portugal to chase his football dreams.
As a 17-year-old, he joined Oeiras as a junior and then moved to third division side Amarentre FC where he continuously exceeded expectations, impressing the club and earning himself consistent promotions up through the ranks. Ayongo concluded his three-year spell with the club with an astounding 23 goals from 32 matches in the 2017/18 season.
After this impressive stint with Amarante, he moved to Primeira Liga team Paços de Ferreira, and after scoring four times in the top division, he was subsequently loaned out to CD Mafra where he also scored four goals, proving again his exceptional & reliable scoring ability.
Ayongo will fly into Australia ahead of the Australia Cup which will kick off the Mariners’ 2022/23 season, with the Mariners facing Sydney FC in the Round of 32.