AZIZ BEHICH SIGNS FOR DUNDEE UNITED

Dundee United can confirm the signing of highly experienced Australian international Aziz Behich.

Aziz will join United on a two-year deal after leaving Turkish side Giresunspor in the summer.

The move is subject to international clearance and the completion of the work permit process.

Capped 52 times by Australia, the left wing-back helped his country to claim 2015 Asian Cup success and starred in three games for Socceroos at the 2018 World Cup.

Aziz Behich background

Having played in Australia’s recent World Cup play-off win over Peru, Aziz will be hoping to earn a place in Graham Arnold’s squad for Qatar 2022.

Aziz has played over 200 top-flight games in the Turkish Super Lig and was part of the Istanbul Basaksehir squad that claimed their first-ever top flight title in 2020.

At 31, Aziz has also played for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

He will become United’s fifth permanent summer signing following the arrival of Wales international Dylan Levitt, 33-times capped Scotland star Steven Fletcher, experienced midfielder Craig Sibbald and fellow Australian international Mark Birighitti.

Established international

Dundee United Sporting Director Tony Asghar said: "We’re delighted to bring Aziz to Dundee United.

"He’s an established international player and signing players like this are key to what Dundee United are trying to be as a club.

"We have been very strategic and laser-focused in our recruitment and I have to give a lot of credit to our Head of Recruitment Sean McGee, Head Coach Jack Ross and Assistant Head Coach Liam Fox.

"They have worked hard to help get Aziz here and we’re excited to have him at our club.

"Our signing talks have been incredibly positive and Aziz has fully bought into our vision at Dundee United.

"Aziz has played a lot of games at a high level in Turkey and Holland and we hope he can use that experience to bring success to Dundee United.”

Coup

Dundee United Head Coach Jack Ross added: "I’m really excited to get Aziz to the club.

"I’ve spoken a lot about wanting to add real depth and quality to our squad.

"Aziz has got real quality. Look at the number of games he has played for his country and the number of big games he has played at club level.

"It’s a real coup for us to get a player of his calibre and experience to the club and it is testament to the recruitment team for getting him here.

"In all our talks with him he has shown a real desire to come here. He has a huge hunger for the game and the fans will enjoy watching him.

"He’s got a bit of character about him and I think the Scottish game will suit him.

"One of the traits we were looking to add to the squad was speed and energy and I think Aziz will bring that.

"A lot of credit has to go to our recruitment team in recognising the need to add quality to our ranks to build on last season’s achievements.

"We’ve been patient, worked hard on recruitment and I feel I’ve been well supported in trying to bring the right players into the club."