Young striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has signed a two-year deal with Newcastle Jets, returning to the A-League after spending the past two years in the homeland.
The Greek-Australian forward is returning for his second stint with the Jets, joining them from Greek Super League club PAS Giannina.
“I’m really looking forward to returning back to Newcastle. It’s a great town with really loyal and passionate fans and I’m excited to be coming into such a strong young squad,” Stamatelopoulos said in the club’s announcement.
The striker started his A-League career with his hometown club, Adelaide United, playing there for two years before joining Western United as one of their foundation players.
It was from there where he then joined the Novocastrians in 2021 before leaving for opportunities abroad, spending the 2021/22 season with Greek Super League 2 side A.S. Rodos and scoring six goals from 17 games.
He made the step up to the top division for the 2022/23 season, though he struggled to find form with Giannina as he remained goalless from his 17 outings.
Stamatelopoulos believes his recent experience overseas has helped improve himself as a player and is raring to showcase it with Newcastle under the lead of coach Rob Stanton.
“I feel like I have developed a lot as a player over the last two seasons playing in Greece and I’m looking to make my mark here as a player and give my all for Rob and this Club,” he said.
The Jets are going through a bit of a refresh of their squad after former manager Arthur Papas resigned last month.
Stamatelopoulos’ first assignment could come as quickly as next week when his side goes up against Melbourne Victory in a play-off to reach the Round of 32 of this year’s Australia Cup.
