A-League: Bernie Ibini buys out his Newcastle contract to join Western Sydney Wanderers

Bernie Ibini will reunite with coach Carl Robinson after leaving Newcastle to join the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Bernie Ibini (left) battles with Perth’s Alex Grant during his time with the Newcastle Jets. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Bernie Ibini after the former Socceroos attacker bought out the remainder of his Newcaste Jets contract.

Having agitated for a move since coach Carl Robinson left the Jets in October to take charge of the Wanderers, Ibini - who at one stage went on stress leave – has put pen to paper on a two-season deal with Western Sydney.

Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said: “We want to have players at our club who want to be here and play for the jersey.”

Ibini also played under Robinson at Major Soccer League club, the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“It’s my third time working under Carl and we have a great relationship.,” Ibini said.

“I see him as a coach that gets the best out of me and he’s a great person.

“I can’t wait to work under him again.”

🔥🔥🔥

We are proud to announce the signing of @bernieibini for the next two @aleague seasons: https://t.co/MwC5XhmRoL #WSW pic.twitter.com/z86jYhsyz7

— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) December 17, 2020

Robinson said Ibini was “an exceptional person and a very talented player”.

“We are extremely happy to have him at the Wanderers this season,” Robinson said.

“This is the third time I have been lucky enough to sign Bernie.

“We have built a strong, trusting relationship built on mutual respect and I look forward to working with him again.”

Ibini’s agent James Hardy works for Avid Sports and Entertainment Group, who manage Robinson.

The Wanderers have also signed Scottish defender Ziggy Gordon, who was released from Central Coast despite having signed a new deal with the Mariners only in October.

“I’m elated to get it done and so glad to be here,” Gordon said.

“I want to win games and I want to ask more of myself and expect more of myself so why not come to a club as big as the Wanderers.”

The Mariners have added to their attacking stocks with the signing of Polish attacker Michal Janota.

“I am an experienced player, but I still have a great hunger for football, and I will bring a lot of creativity,” 30-year-old Janota said.