Melbourne City FC can confirm it has agreed the transfer of Aaron Mooy to City Football Group sister club Manchester City FC, with the midfielder signing a three-year deal with the English Premier League outfit. Mooy, 25, joined Melbourne City in mid-2014 and has since developed into one of the most talented midfielders in Australia’s domestic competition.



In Mooy, Manchester City have secured a technically gifted and attack-minded player who has featured in 53 league matches across two seasons for Melbourne City, advancing to become a creative, committed and intuitive midfielder.



A two-time Player of the Year at Melbourne City, Mooy carried his exceptional form from his first season into the most recent A-League campaign, scoring 11 times and contributing 21 assists – a record in competition history.



Emerging as a rising star for the Australian national team, his move to the two-time Premier League Champion will provide access to world class support networks offered by City Football Group.



Brian Marwood, Managing Director, City Football Services, said; “Aaron is an extremely talented player who possesses the attributes we hope to foster and encourage within the City Football Group.



“With the unique model CFG provides, Aaron’s move to Manchester allows us to further expose him to a high standard of opportunities to ensure his professional growth.”



As Melbourne City’s squad evolves, Australian defensive midfielder Luke Brattan will join on loan from Manchester City for the forthcoming season, marking Head Coach John van’t Schip’s fifth new signing ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.



Brattan joined Championship club Bolton Wanderers on loan before returning to Manchester City to train and progress in the world-class environment at the City Football Academy, Manchester.



The three-time Hyundai A-League Championship winner returns to Australia where he made 91 appearances for Brisbane Roar before signing for Manchester City in October 2015.



Brattan played a vital role for Roar as a talented holding midfielder across six A-League seasons and will link up with Melbourne City following the return to pre-season training on Monday, June 27.



Speaking of his move Brattan said, “ My experience in England has been a fantastic one and, thanks to my time at the City Football Academy, I have never felt more prepared for a season. I’m delighted to be joining Melbourne City ahead of what I’m sure will be a really exciting season and I can’t wait to get started.”



Anthony Caceres has extended his loan deal with Melbourne City until the end of the 2016/17 season after joining the Club in January 2016, with the Manchester City loanee provided further opportunities to mature in Melbourne.



The midfielder made 11 appearances for the City during the 2015/16 season, scoring his first goal for the Club against Brisbane Roar in the Round 24 win at AAMI Park.



van’t Schip said Caceres and Brattan would add a dynamic element to City’s midfield structure, while he wished Mooy success in his latest career move.



“Aaron was a fantastic contributor to Melbourne City and we must first and foremost thank him for his involvement and impact during his time at the Club,” van’t Schip said.



“He is deserving of his new opportunity and we wish him all the best for the future.



“Luke will be a fantastic addition to our squad; he has long been recognised as an impressive young talent in Australia, and we are looking forward to what he can bring to our midfield, particularly after his experience overseas.



“Anthony joined us in January and has been an important member of the squad since his arrival. His performances during the final matches of the regular season have demonstrated his notable talent.



“We are delighted to have these two players on board as we begin our preparations for the new campaign.”