LONDON: Al-Nassr continue to make waves in the transfer market after they followed up two headline-grabbing additions by landing Australian international goalkeeper Brad Jones.
Jones, 36, has spent the last two seasons at Dutch giants Feyenoord, winning the league the season before last, and it is thought they were keen to keep the goalkeeper at De Kuip. But Jones has decided to end his time in Holland and move to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract. He is Al-Nassr’s third big summer signing, following on from Moroccan World Cup star Nordin Amrabat and Peru international Christian Ramos.
“I can announce that I’m leaving Feyenoord to move to Saudi Arabia,” said Jones in a video interview on Twitter. “It’s been a fantastic two years, I’vee enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been an honor to be part of the success we’ve had in bringing trophies to the club. I would like to thank the support given to me over this time. I wish club all the success for the future and hopefully there will be more trophies to come. I’ll be supporting from afar.”
Brad Jones .. pic.twitter.com/6xhSfXD6yt
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrSaudiFCe) August 1, 2018
Born in Perth, Jones is used to playing abroad having spent 16 years playing in England, including five at Liverpool. He has won five caps for Australia and was part of their squad at the World Cup in Russia.
Jones is the second Australian keeper to move to the Kingdom this week. Jack Duncan, 25, has swapped life at Newcastle Jets for a new career at Al-Qadsiah where he joins fellow countryman Rhys Williams. The Jets have accepted a “significant” transfer fee from Al-Qadsiah for 25-year-old Australia youth international Duncan after a transfer clause was triggered in his contract.
“I made my A-League debut with the Jets, the club has given me so much,” Duncan said in a farewell interview at the club’s training camp in Spain. “I’ve grown as a player during my time in Newcastle, I’ve had some great times and worked with some fantastic people. This is a great opportunity to develop my career and one that I couldn’t pass up.”
Jets boss Ernie Merrick said it was a blow to lose Duncan.
“I’m extremely disappointed to lose Jack, but he’s been offered an opportunity that he wants to pursue,” Merrick said. “He’s a great team man and well-respected member of this club. His engagement with our fans and his contribution to the Newcastle community shouldn’t be overlooked. At his age and with his ability, I think Jack has the potential to go onto big things and I wish him the very best with the next step in his career.”
