Wellington Phoenix have completed their 2022/23 A-League squad with the sizeable signing of 1.92m (6ft 4in) striker Oskar Zawada.
The Polish forward joins fellow recruits Kosta Barbarouses, Bozhidar Kraev and Yan Sass to form a newlook attacking frontline for the Phoenix next season, inking a two-year deal with the NZ-based side.
Zawada, 26, will don the No. 9 jersey previously occupied by Englishman David Ball.
Over the past decade, Zawada has played professionally in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and South Korea, and was in talks with German and Dutch clubs, before being swayed by the Phoenix. He's also represented Poland at several age-group levels.
Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay says Zawada will bring more balance to their offence.
"He's a taller player that will give us extra height and presence in the box," Talay said. "He's big and strong, he can bring players into the game and he scores goals.
"We were always looking for a player with those physical attributes, with a bit more presence within the box, as we like to attack with our fullbacks and deliver balls into the box.
"He gives us an aerial threat and when we’re under pressure, he’ll be able to hold the ball up and bring players into the game, and we’ll be able to, at times, be a little bit more direct."
After a series of stops to begin his career, Zawada is eager to settle in the capital.
"A two-year contract means I can fully focus on the Phoenix and not have to think about my future," Zawada noted. "I have a feeling that this is going to be a place that I will be proud of and identify with.
"I have heard that life is beautiful in New Zealand and I am very happy about that, but I will not treat this transfer as a personal trip.I came here to this club mainly to develop as a footballer and score as many goals as possible for the Phoenix."
A prolific goalscorer for Wolfsburg’s youth teams, Zawada insists he still has plenty of room for improvement and looks forward to working under Talay.
"I think the best years are in front of me," he said. "If I stay healthy - and I will do everything to stay healthy - I think I have a good future in front of me, because I'm professional, I work hard and want to develop as a player.
"[Talay] showed me how he works with the players, what he expects from me and how he sees me with the team.
"He made me feel important and if I feel important, then I know I will play well and will have the confidence to score goals."
Zawada has joined his new teammates in Sydney, where they're preparing for Wednesday's Australia Cup quarter-final against Macarthur FC.
The Phoenix kick off their 2022/23 campaign against Adelaide at Wellington on October 9.
