The Wellington Phoenix have continued their signing spree by adding former U23 Mexico midfielder Ulises Dávila on a two-year deal.
Dávila is the seventh signing made by the Phoenix during the off-season, as they rebuild their roster after several big-name departures, including last year's Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna and long-serving captain Andrew Durante.
The 28-year-old arrives from Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos FC and has previously spent time at England powerhouse Chelsea, although he never actually played for the south-west London side.
Despite not appearing for 'The Blues', Dávila made 98 appearances on loan until December 2015, when he returned to Mexico to sign for Santos Laguna.
The midfielder will likely be a straight swap for Sapreet Singh, who signed with German champions Bayern Munich last month.
Dávila will occupy one of the four remaining import slots, joining Englishman Steven Taylor.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of the Hyundai A-League and believe I can show my qualities this year," Dávila said.
"I want to thank Ufuk [Talay] for having faith in me and bringing me to Wellington. I can't wait to get started and show the fans I am here to play for the club and win games."
Head coach Talay feels Dávila will make a massive impact in the A-League.
"Ulises is a versatile attacker, who will excite the fans with his creative qualities, which will complement our game," he said.
"It's important to get the correct import players into the club and we feel we are getting a great player in Ulises, a player who could be one of the standout players in the league this season."
Dávila's signing comes one day after the Phoenix confirmed young Australian midfielder Cameron Devlin, who turned down an offer from Sydney FC, to join Wellington on a two-year deal.
Last month, the Phoenix announced the signings of All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic, defenders Walter Scott and Luke DeVere, midfielder Jaushua Sotirio and striker Callum McCowatt, while fellow attacker Ben Waine earned promotion to the top side.
The Phoenix now have 14 players on their roster.
Newshub.
