Melbourne Victory have pulled off a coup by confirming the signing of Costa Rican striker Jean Carlos Solorzano on Monday.
Melbourne Victory have pulled off a coup after confirming the signing of Costa Rican striker Jean Carlos Solorzano on Monday.
The 23-year-old marksman, who scored 11 goals for A-League champions Brisbane Roar in the recently completed season, joins Victory on a one-year loan deal from LD Alajuelense.
Victory football operations manager Gary Cole is confident Solorzano can fill the absence left by the club’s top scorer Robbie Kruse in HAL season 2011-12.
“Not only is Jean Carlos a good finisher, but a goal poacher as well,” Cole said.
“It’s another piece of recruiting for the football club, he won a premiership and championship and did that in an exciting manner. He’s got those technical skills that make him exciting to watch.”
“He’s 23 years old and a fantastic acquisition for us, obviously he’s a terrific replacement for Krusey.”
Solorzano’s signing takes the Costa Rican contingent at Victory to three with the striker joining Carlos Hernandez and Marvin Angulo in Melbourne.
The striker explained the chance to link-up with his countrymen played a major bearing in his decision to head south.
“Everybody knows how skilful the Costa Rican players are here in Australia,” Solorzano said.
“I feel like I’m right at home with them, sharing time with their families and I’m looking forward to playing with them.”
Solorzano became a cult figure with the Roar, who he revealed were unable to re-sign him.
“We gave Brisbane an opportunity to extend the contract, but unfortunately they couldn’t commit, that’s when Melbourne Victory opened the doors for me,” Solorzano said.
“I’m excited to join a good club in the A-League like Melbourne Victory.”
Solorzano’s signing comes at a time Victory has not appointed a full-time coach, but Cole explained the reasons behind obtaining a player who has represented his country at both under-20 and under-17 level.
“I think when a quality player like this is available you certainly don’t shy away from that,” Cole said.
“It’s fair to say most coaches around the world would take this player as a recruit. Jean Carlos has proved he’s a goalscorer in the Hyundai A-League. Certainly right now everyone around our football department and club is excited by the fact we’ve signed Jean Carlos.”
“He’s excited as well and we think he’s going to be a fantastic asset for the football club.”
As for any movement on a new man to replace the departed Ernie Merrick, Cole revealed there had been significant work behind the scenes and that the club would announce any deal when the time was right.
