Perth Glory confirm three-year deal for All Whites’ goalkeeper Oli Sail

posted in: A-League (Men), All Whites, News

A-League club Perth Glory have confirmed they have signed New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Oli Sail on a three-year deal.

Sail (27) will swap clubs at the end of the current isuzu-UTE A-League season.

Sail is one of three players who will leave the Phoenix when their contracts expire; the others are midfielder Clayton Lewis and Steven Ugarkovic.

READ MORE: All Whites midfielder Clayton Lewis to join Macarthur Bulls, report claims >>>>

READ MORE: All Whites pair to leave Wellington Phoenix at end of A-League season >>>>

READ MORE: Out-of-contract Oli Sail adamant there’ll be no drop in his commitment >>>>

Perth Glory head coach Ruben Zadkovich told the club’s website:

“We have been targeting Oli for some time and I’m delighted we have secured his services for the next three seasons.

“Character is very important in these types of builds, and Oli has the right ingredients.

How the Glory announced Sail’s signing.

“He is clearly one of the best ‘keepers in the league, is at the peak of his powers and his presence on the grass is massive.

“He is obviously right in the middle of his career, with loads of upside in terms of his development and growth and there is really no ceiling to where he may get to down the track.

“With both Oli and Cameron Cook locked in for the next three seasons, we have now created one of the strongest and most balanced goalkeeping departments in the country.

“I’m looking forward to watching them compete together on the grass.

“This signing is massive for the club and for the team.

“Oli will be a crucial part of turning quality performances into positive results next year and beyond.”

Glory CEO Anthony Radich is similarly confident Sail will prove to be a key acquisition for Glory.

“I am delighted for the club that we have been able to secure a goalkeeper of Oli’s quality and further strengthen our squad,” he said.

“His progression has been exponential in recent years and he has clearly established himself as one of the finest ‘keepers in the competition.

“He will also be invaluable in furthering the rapid development of Cameron Cook who is a very exciting young talent.

“They will be a great combination and we’re very fortunate to be in their safe hands over the next few years.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Glory Head of Recruitment, Andy Keogh.

“He is the best ‘keeper in the A-League and a massive signing for our great club,” he said.

“It shows a real intent to add quality to what we have on the roster already.

“We look forward to him and Cameron working closely together and forging a really strong goalkeeping unit for this club.”

Born in Auckland, Sail began his senior career with Auckland City and swiftly progressed into Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side.

After featuring for New Zealand at the 2015 Under-20 World Cup, he was handed his A-League debut in March 2018 and then made the first-team gloves his own during the 2020/21 season.

This year, Phoenix’s vice-captain has made 19 A-League appearances, kept three clean sheets and pulled off the second-highest amount of saves in the competition with 67.

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