Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Anthony Gauci, 23, who is currently with the Australian national team at the Asian Cup, and has been keeping goal for Adelaide Unted, has joined English Premier League club, Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, but is reputed to be a record fee for an A-League player.
The 6’5” keeper was initially born in Adelaide but had roots in Malta through his father. Therefore, he was also eligible to play for Malta before deciding to play for the Socceroos.
He started his footballing career with West Torrens Birkalia before receiving a scholarship deal with Central Coast Mariners. He subsequently joined Adelaide City and Melbourne City before signing a scholarship contract with Adelaide United in 2020. He made his A-League debut in 2021.
Internationally, Joe Gauci received his first call-up to the Australian national team in 2022 as a train-on player and debuted in a friendly match in 2023 against Ecuador.
He was most recently with the Socceroos squad at the 2023 Asian Cup and will link up with Villa upon his return from the tournament. Australia eventually were eliminated from the Asia Cup by losing 1-2 in extra time in the semi-final played in Doha.
At Aston Villa Park, Gauci will be an understudy to Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and obtaining a visa.
