Football
Exclusive: Australia Star Mathew Ryan Seeking UK Return Following Lens Departure
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, released by Lens, seeks move to England or Scotland. Already in talks with English Championship and League One clubs, and a Scottish Premiership team. Experienced, with 483 career appearances and 100 caps for his country, he aims to secure regular play next season.
Socceroos Training Session And Media Opportunity by Robert Cianflone | Getty Images
Australia international goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is looking for a move to either England or Scotland after being released by French side Lens, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
And our sources have learnt that the experienced 33-year-old shot-stopper, capped 100 times by his country, has already had interest from English Championship and League One clubs about a potential move.
A Scottish Premiership side, who wish to remain anonymous, have also enquired about the former Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion goalie’s next move now he is a free agent.
Ryan enjoyed four seasons with Brighton in the Premier League with 121 league appearances for the Seagulls.
But after he left the Emirates Stadium he played for five different clubs across the next six seasons.
He played three games on loan at Arsenal before spells with Real Sociedad in the Spanish La Liga, followed by a short spell with Copenhagen in the Danish Superliga.
Two seasons with Dutch club AZ in the Eredivisie saw a move to Roma, then a move to Lens mid-season.
Ryan has vast experience in the game having made 483 career appearances since turning professional in 2009.
VAST EXPERIENCE
He has played for a total of 12 different clubs during his career and has played the national team for 14 successive seasons.
A former PFA Footballer of the Year winner, Ryan won the Belgian Cup and AFC Asian Cup in 2015 and is looking to secure himself regular football next season.
“The time has sadly come to say goodbye,” wrote Ryan in a post on Instagram to say thanks to the club’s fans.
“My partner and I loved every minute of our stay here. We have been blessed to share great moments and memories on and off the football field."
“We would have liked to continue, but it was not planned and so we wish you all the best for the future."
“We thank you for the support you have given us during this time and we hope to see you again someday.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.