Auckland FC has welcomed 22-year-old attacking winger, Marlee François to the club.
Australian-born François joins us after spending much of his career as part of the youth set-up at Premier League Fulham F.C and Championship Bristol City.
Currently without a club having been released by Bristol City last July, François is able to join up with the club ahead of the official transfer window opening on January 16.
The right-footed attacker plays predominately on the left with a profile that fits the type of player the club are looking to recruit, according to head coach, Steve Corica.
“He’s young, got a lot of pace, a lot of potential, and likes playing with the ball at his feet. He can also play of either side of the midfield so provides us with options,” says Corica.
“The club have done well to bring him here and sell him the vision of Auckland and what we as a club and city can offer.”
Born in Campbelltown, New South Wales, aged 11 he, along with his elder brother, Tyrese, moved to the U.K having both signed for the Fulham Academy. In 2019 he joined Bristol City and signed a professional contract in 2021.
An injury lay-off curtailed his career at Bristol although he did make two F.A Cup appearances – including one against Manchester City. He has also played six times for the Australia Under-23s national team, the Olyroos, alongside fellow A-League talen Daniel Azaani and Marco Tilio, scoring one goal in 2-0 win over Mexico Under-23s.
“Coming to Auckland offers me a new opportunity and a fresh start. They’re a club in the ascendancy and currently top of league. I’m here to learn, to play and to further develop my career,” says François.
“I’m keen to meet my new teammates and discover what makes this club so special.”
François arrived too late to join the match-day squad before they left for their away-game against Perth – one of the furthest away days in professional sport.
He is expected to meet up with his new team mates on their return and will begin training with the team ahead of their next home game against Melbourne City on January 18th.
The Saturday, 5pm kick off will once again feature the Auckland FC beach. Tickets for the game can be purchased here.
Marlee François
Age: 22
Position: Attacking Winger
Last Club: Bristol City
Home town: Campbelltown, New South Wales
Experience: 10 professional caps and 5 international caps at U23 level
First of all I just want to thank God for this new opportunity that he has blessed me with. I want to thank everyone who was involved in getting this deal completed. I’m very excited to come to Auckland and be joining Auckland FC. It’s a club with ambition and drive to be the best and when I heard the opportunity it was something I wanted part in. It’s a club that is heading in the right direction and I am looking forward to playing on the pitch and helping the team in every way that I can.
Marlee François
