Venezuelan star Vargas joins A-League Jets

Sep 16, 2017 - 5:26 AM Venezuelan international Ronald Vargas arrives in Australia on Sunday to take up a one-year A-League deal with the Newcastle Jets.

The signing is a coup for the underdogs from the Hunter, as coach Ernie Merrick assembles an impressive squad.

Vargas, who left Greek club AEK Athens at the end of last season, won three titles in Belgium for Club Brugge and Anderlecht.

The 30-year-old has also won 23 caps for his country, most recently in 2015.

Given Vargas' pedigree, it's understandable that Merrick is upbeat about the his addition to the Jets squad for the 2017-18 season.

"To have a player of Ronald's quality and experience join the club is massive for us," Merrick said.

"He's an exciting, international player with experience in some of the finest leagues in the world and his inclusion goes a long way to completing our squad.

"Ronald will offer a great deal to our play in the front third and is the perfect fit for our team."

The Jets finished at the bottom of the ladder last season with just five wins, from 27 games.

Vargas joins new attacking signings Roy O'Donovan, brothers Dimitri and Kosta Petratos and Mario Shabow in a new-look forward line.

Merrick has also added quality in defence, with Joe Marston Medallist Daniel Georgievski, international gloveman Glen Moos and veteran stopper Nikolai Topor-Stanley.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how he can combine with the likes of Dimi Petratos, Roy O'Donovan and Andrew Nabbout to create goal-scoring opportunities," Merrick said.

"We've said all along that we would wait for the right player and that has paid dividends for us.

"We've now got a player who I feel can take the game by the scruff of the neck with his skill at the set piece and in general play."

Vargas must undergo a medical assessment before the contract is formally signed.

Source: AAP