Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
James Overy will be out to emulate Socceroos young gun Paul Okon-Engstler after joining Sydney FC from Manchester United.
The 18-year-old returns to Australia after two seasons in the English Premier League giants’ academy system, signing a three-year deal with the Sky Blues.
Last year’s grand finalists Sydney secured Overy for an undisclosed fee, with Manchester United retaining a buy-back option.
Overy’s move comes after promising Socceroos midfielder Okon-Engstler made the leap from the A-League Men to Bundesliga club FC Koln.
Okon-Engstler’s move last year from Portugal’s most successful club Benfica to the Sky Blues had paid off, with the 21-year-old earning a World Cup debut following a breakout ALM campaign.
Overy, who has risen through the Young Socceroos ranks with Okon-Engstler, also earned his maiden call-up to the senior national team last year.
The attacking right-back was an unused substitute for Australia’s friendly matches against Colombia and Venezuela in November.
Chasing a spot in next year’s Asian Cup squad, Overy said Sydney’s history of developing young players is what attracted him to the ALM franchise.
“I feel this is the right time for me to take the next step and play senior football,” Overy said in a club statement.
“Sydney FC is a massive club with a history of winning trophies and developing young Australian players, so I’m really excited to be joining.
“Being involved with the Socceroos has given me a taste of where I want to get to.
“Playing regularly for Sydney FC is a huge opportunity for me to keep developing and hopefully earn more opportunities with the national team.”
Perth-born Overy left the Glory academy in 2023 aged 15 after an impressive performance against West Ham in a pre-season friendly.
He will look to hit the ground running and make his club debut in Sydney’s Australia Cup semi-final against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday.
“James is an extremely exciting young Australian player who we believe has a very big future,” Sky Blues coach Patrick Kisnorbo said.
“He has spent two important years developing in an elite environment at Manchester United, and now he needs regular senior football to take the next step in his career.
“He has already been around the Socceroos at only 18, which demonstrates how highly regarded he is, and what a good character he is as well.”
