BALLARAT Red Devils have opted for youth to bolster their playing list during the National Premier Leagues Victoria mid-season transfer window.
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The Reds announced on Monday the signing of 16-year-old Ronaldo Yousef, who has crossed from Box Hill in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 1 East competition. Yousef is the only player to join the McDonald’s Reds during the transfer window, effectively replacing midfielder Nelson Salvatore.
Ballarat manager James Robinson said the 185-centimetre recruit would likely fill the role of centre-back, although he would have to earn his spot on the team like every other player.
Robinson said the club never intended on going on a recruiting spree, due to financial restrictions in the current climate.
But the loss of Salvatore opened up a spot on the list.
“We can’t compete with the big boys in Melbourne in terms of recruits; we’ve had to think outside the box in a sense,” he said.
“We probably didn’t expect to pick up anybody until we lost Nelson, but Ronaldo has shown he is very promising.
“We’re blessed with our midfield talent at the moment, but we probably did lack a bit of depth down back.”
Robinson said Yousef’s age would see him easily slot into the Reds side, which currently averages just 22 years of age.
“He really is a quality player and he has a lot of potential,” Robinson said.
“He feels he can be a player at a higher level, and if we can help him to that, then it would be great.”
The transfer window will close on Tuesday at 5pm, although Ballarat manager James Robinson does not feel there will be any further changes to the list.
Ballarat will travel to meet ninth-placed Sunshine George Cross on Saturday in what shapes up as a winnable match for the Reds.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au