Wellington Phoenix’s roster continues to take shape for the 2020/21 season with the signing of Australian U23 player Joshua Laws on a one-year deal.
The Scotland-born, Sydney-raised 22-year-old joins the Phoenix after being based in Germany, where he spent six years in Fortuna Dusseldorf’s youth development system.
Laws is currently in Sydney and will link up with the squad on November 1 as the Phoenix head across to Australia to preare for the upcomming season.
One of the big attractions for Laws was working with head coach Ufuk Talay and is looking forward to joining a coach he holds in such high regard.
"I've been in conversation with Ufuk and the club for a while now, so I’m extremely excited to get going and meet the team," Laws says.
"It's a great club that I’ve been following over the past few years," Laws says.
"Obviously I've known Ufuk for several years now through the [Australian] national team and I’ve always been attracted to the style of football the Phoenix plays, even more so under Ufuk.
“And that’s what I want, to be playing interesting, dynamic and winning football.
"Ufuk has talked about what he wants from me and how I can help the club – and I’m excited about my role, I consider myself a versatile player so it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to and it’s going to be an interesting step in my career as well."
Having worked with Laws in the past, Talay believes the Aussie is a great fit for his fast-developing squad.
"I worked with Joshua back in 2015 with the Joeys Squad in Chile, as well as during the U-23 camps in Spain and he’s another young talented player that we’re very happy to bring into our side for next season," Talay says.
"Joshua gives us a bit of balance as both a left footer and a versatile player. He’s very technical and can play as a six or as a central defender."
Laws' signing follows the recent additions of New Zealand internationals James McGarry and Clayton Lewis, as well as the re-signings of English import David Ball, Sam Sutton, and Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi
On Monday, the Phoenix will start their pre-season preparations in Sydney.
