Dean Bouzanis signs with Melbourne City FC as backup goalkeeper

Dean Bouzanis have completed his move from the Western Sydney Wanderers to Melbourne City and will replace the outgoing Tando Velaphi.

Bouzanis is expected to be City’s second goalkeeper behind the established No. 1 Thomas Sorensen. Velaphi is set to move offshores to Japan and sign for a club in the J-League, as reported by Sydney Morning Herald.

From 2007-11 Bouzanis featured for the Liverpool reserves. The Australian will don City’s colours till the end of the season.

The 28-year old Velaphi, who was a regular last season found very little time under the post for City recently as Sorensen’s emergence in the club left the Australian struggling for game time.

"Tando was a popular figure not only in the change rooms but with the fans and I'm sure they will join with me in wishing Tando all the best for the next challenge in his career." Melbourne coach John van’t Schip said.

Former English Premier League veteran Sorensen has been a revelation since his move to Australia and with Bouzanis as his backup, City has a formidable goalkeeping line-up in their Arsenal.

Former City goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, who was released by van’t Schip in the off-season, will stand guard for the Wanderers in their upcoming face-off with the Melbourne club.

Redmayne has found his golden touch under the Wanderers coach Tony Popic and has had some amazing performances under his belt in the A-League. He has six clean sheets to his name and has made some brilliant saves in his team’s 10-match unbeaten run.

Bouzanis transfer to City means that both Melbourne and Sydney will feature a new goalkeeping line-up compared to last season.

Popic also added former Mariner Liam Reddy to his squad thus adding more depth to his goalkeeping line-up as the race for the league final heats up.

"Any competition in any spot is extremely welcome; it’s only going to help the team push for the title. Everyone brings a lot to the club and the squad. Every individual is very welcome." Popis said, according to The Fiji Times.