Ex-Olyroo Tate Russell will bring his explosive athleticism and unmatched intensity to Western United with the right-back joining the Green and Black on a two-year deal.
Russell has amassed 85 Isuzu UTE A-League Men appearances with Western Sydney Wanderers, always impressing with his all-action playing style on the flank.
The 24-year-old boasts a tremendous energy and excellent technical ability to arrive in the final third and contribute to the attack, scoring five goals from defence across his career.
That explosiveness and dynamism in attack and defence earned Russell regular call-ups with the Olyroos and saw him emerging as one of Australia’s best young talents before an ACL injury ruled him out entirely of the 2022/23 campaign.
Russell returned to the pitch last season and showed his class once again. Trading Sydney’s west with Melbourne’s, Russell believes Western United is the best place for him to bring out his best football.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Western United has given me to have a fresh start and reenergise my career,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the first full season at United’s new home in Tarneit and helping the club continue to grow.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Russell’s game would perfectly complement United’s squad and would energise the fans at Ironbark Fields.
“Tate’s quality is easy for all to see and his ambition and determination as a person will fit seamlessly in with our Club culture and our vision for this season’s team,” he said.
“We want to play a fast-paced, dynamic style of football and Tate will help us do that with his speed, strength and excellent end product from the right-hand side.
“Still at such a young age he has fantastic experience under his belt and a lot of growth still to come, and we are delighted to see that come to fruition with us in Tarneit.”
Russell is set to meet his new teammates and coaches when Western United commences pre-season training later this month and will be eying a debut in July’s Australia Cup Final Rounds Play-Off against Newcastle Jets in Darwin.
Western United A-Leagues 2024/25 season memberships will be on sale soon. Sign up here to keep informed.
