Western United teenager and goalkeeper Alex Nassiep has signed his first professional contract in a landmark deal for the A-League club.
The academy graduate has signed a three-and-a-half-year scholarship deal until June 2028 – the longest contract in the team’s history, following Tom Heward-Belle’s move to Japan last week.
An Australia Under-17 international previously, the towering shot-stopper has been described as a “terrifying sight” for opposition strikers due to his height and speed off the line, while his “distribution skills suit the exciting, attacking brand of football” Western wish to play.
“Signing my first contract means everything to me. I’ve been working my whole life to get to where I am today,” he said.
“I feel very privileged that the coaching staff and the club have put plenty of faith in me. No I just need to give back to them.
Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato added: “Alex is someone that we have been incredibly impressed with since he joined our Academy and we are delighted to be able to offer him a scholarship contract.
“He has performed superbly in the NPL space while also having an impact in first team training opportunities with his quality as well as his work ethic and character.
John Aloisi’s youthful Western United are flying high this season – fourth in the standings and three points off the pace.
Western have only lost one of their past eight matches (W6 D1).
