Melbourne City today announced the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Riley McGree on a one-year loan from Club Brugge in the Belgian First Division A.

McGree made his first Hyundai A-League appearance in March 2016 as a 17-year-old for Adelaide United, and in August 2016 joined the Reds on a senior contract. His first goal came in January 2017, and in July 2017 he moved to Belgium to join Club Brugge, before returning to Australia as an injury-replacement player for Newcastle Jets.

McGree came to international attention for his scorpion-kick goal against Melbourne City, which took the Jets to the 17-18 Grand Final, creating speculation that he could be shortlisted for the FIFA Puskàs award for most beautiful goal of the year.

He has represented Australia at U-17 and U-23 level, scoring four goals in six appearances, and was named in Ange Postecoglou’s 30-man squad for the 2017 World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and the UAE.

Michael Petrillo, Director of Football for Melbourne City, said:

“Riley is a very bright and ambitious young prospect who will fit well in to this team. He’s a versatile midfielder who has a deft touch and is very capable of both scoring goals and of creating chances for those around him. Pre-season starts in two weeks and I know he is itching to get training with the rest of the squad.”

Riley McGree said:

“Warren Joyce got in contact with me […] I could see that this Club is going places, and I want to be here winning more trophies. Getting young players in and creating a good, stable base as a club is an important thing to do, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

“I came here for the professionalism of the club, the high-quality facilities and coaching staff and players. Now I want to get a good pre-season under my belt, have a good season and develop myself as a player.”