Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi has added another international recruit to the team during his overseas scouting trip.
Former Ajax and Roda JC central defender Rob Wielaert has been signed for an undisclosed amount to the team, and will start in the 2013/14 season.
Wielaert, 34, has over 350 matches of elite experience under his belt, with three of the biggest clubs in Holland; PSV, Ajax and FC Twente, in the Eredivise – Holland’s premier division.
The defender has also experienced European Champions League football (where he captained FC Twente), the Europa League and has two international caps for Holland’s B team.
Wielaert, who made his professional debut with PSV, started 22 matches for Roda JC last season.
Coach Aloisi travelled to watch Wielaert play in the Netherlands in May and was hugely impressed by the Dutchman.
“Wielaert has superb pedigree and his experience at the top level is very impressive,” Aloisi said.
“He is a smart footballer and will be an excellent organiser of the team from the back.”
Wieleart said he was looking forward to the challenge of the Hyundai A-League.
“I have played all of my career in the Netherlands and now it is an exciting time to play abroad,” Wielaert said.
“So when Melbourne Heart contacted me, I was enthusiastic immediately.
“The Club sounds great, the city and the country too, so I am looking forward to giving everything for this Club and the people around it.”
Wielaert will fill the Club’s third available visa spot.
Player Details
Name: Rob Wielaert [Pronunciation: Vee-laart]
Age: 34
Height: 178cm
Weight: 70kg
Previous Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, NEC, FC Twente, AFC Ajax, Roda JC
