Melbourne City unveil Mariana Speckmaier as new season signing

Within hours of confirmation she would be leaving the Wellington Phoenix, women’s A-League rivals Melbourne City have announced a two-year deal with striker Mariana Speckmaier.

The Venezuelan international is Melbourne City’s first signing as the club prepares to defend the Premiership title won last season.

“Mariana is a versatile attacker with international experience and her inclusion will significantly bolster our team,” City’s head coach Dario Vidosic said.

“We all saw firsthand her qualities in the league last season, and we very much believe that she’s a perfect fit for us as we look forward to both the A-League Women’s season and the AFC Women’s Champions League.

Speckmaier (26) was out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season and had publicly indicated she would be keen to stay at the Phoenix, for whom she was the club’s leading scorer.

However, the Phoenix announced she had turned down their offers of a new contract and said she would sign “elsewhere”.

That turned out to be Melbourne City who quickly announced Speckmaier’s signing, saying her “attacking prowess, speed and technical ability provides a huge boost to City’s attacking stocks”.

She’ll replace Melbourne City’s top goalscorer, Footbalern l FHannah Wilkinson, who was not offered a new contract.

Speckmaier said: “I am thrilled to be joining Melbourne City. The opportunity to join a club of City’s professionalism and play an exciting brand of football is one that I couldn’t turn down.

“With the very first AFC Champions League this season, I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success, meet my new teammates and begin pre-season training.”