The Newcastle Jets have secured the services of Patricio Rodriguez for the remainder of the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season – subject to a medical assessment.
The winger – formerly of AEK Athens – has been brought in as an injury replacement for Ronald Vargas, who is currently sidelined after dislocating and fracturing his ankle earlier this season.
Rodriguez graduated from the youth system at Independiente, going onto make 96 appearances for the first team before joining Brazilian Serie A outfit, Santos.
At AEK Athens, Rodriguez was a teammate of the man he will be replacing at the Jets in Ronald Vargas.
Jets’ boss, Ernie Merrick said that his injured midfielder played a significant part in securing the club’s latest signing.
“Ronny was speaking with Patricio regularly, talking about what a great town Newcastle is and how much he’s been enjoying his time here,” said Merrick.
“They’ve played together quite a bit, so I think that will be a massive advantage for us when we have them both on the park together later this season.
“Patricio is a very good one-on-one dribbling type player that knocks in great crosses, he’s technically very strong and has great speed.
“I’m keen to get him into more goal scoring opportunities, he’s a wonderful striker of the ball and will add a great deal to our front third.”
“He’s got all the characteristics of an Argentinian player, he’s strong, resilient and knows how to win a game – he’s a wonderful addition to our squad.”
Another massive addition for the January window.
Patricio Rodriguez on board ➡️ https://t.co/2IaoqGFqnn pic.twitter.com/zIToy0Wl8n— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) December 21, 2017
Rodriguez has been contracted until the end of the 2017/18 season and Merrick expects to make a permanent spot available for him in his squad during January.
“We’ll be tinkering with the makeup of our squad during the transfer window,” added Merrick.
“Players come and go during January, and we’ll be working to ensure we can see Patricio, Ronny (Vargas) and Roy (O’Donovan) on the pitch together later this season – it’s an exciting prospect.
“Seeing the club in this position is testimony to Martin Lee and his willingness to invest in the Jets as well as the hard work of Lawrie McKinna and Joel Griffiths in getting this deal over the line.”
Rodriguez is expected to land in Australia between Christmas and New Year, where he will begin training with teammates in the lead up to January.
It’s expected that he will make his debut at McDonald Jones Stadium, as the Jets face the Mariners in an F3 Derby on Tuesday 9 January.
