Jaiden Kucharski will bring blistering attacking flair to Ironbark Fields after signing a two-year deal at Western United.
The 23-year-old adds bona fide goal-scoring and creative prowess to the United squad with seven goals and five assists in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men for Sydney FC, going at an average of a goal contribution every 124 minutes.
With an incredible knack for late-game heroics, three of Kucharski’s league goals were match-winning strikes in the final 10 minutes of matches, most notably in a ridiculous Sydney Derby in April 2024.
Arguably his greatest clutch moment came in the Australia Cup in 2023 with a tantalising solo goal deep into injury time in extra time against Central Coast Mariners, helping Sydney win that tie in a penalty shootout before going on to lift the trophy.
Equally adept at striking off either foot, Kucharski has just about every kind of goal in his locker – from long-range blasts to cheeky chips, composed one-on-ones and clinical first-time efforts.
Bringing his talents to a Western United side already bursting with vibrant young talents, Kucharski is itching to get started and bring his quality to the fore.
“I’m really excited. I’ve been doing some training alone and all I want to do is get on the pitch in these colours,” he said.
“The team scores a lot of goals, they get a lot of balls in the box which is what I like. Hopefully I can get a good amount of goals next season and push for the top scorer, if I can.
“A lot of the boys are young, lots of vibrant and energetic flair. A lot of the good things happening last season were from young boys getting forward.
“I want to score goals, I want to do well for this team. The boys turned out last season, and I feel coming in that I can bring another level to that and hopefully really push for the Grand Final and silverware.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato is eager to see Kucharski fit into United’s electric attack.
“We are delighted to welcome Jaiden to Ironbark Fields and to be able to attract a talented young player of his calibre to the football club,” he said.
“Jaiden is an ambitious young player that loves to attack, loves to score goals and set up his teammates and we believe he will fit perfectly into our final third.
“He is full of confidence and I believe he has the attributes to become a prolific goal scorer in the A-League Men. His pace, tenacity and work rate will see him add plenty of goals and energy to our already dynamic frontline.”
Kucharski joined his new teammates in pre-season testing at Ironbark Fields on Tuesday and will hit the pitch for the first day of training on Wednesday as preparations get underway for 2025/26.
READ MORE: Charbel Shamoon extends after breakout season at Western United
