Derry City sign Romanian-Israeli defender Alon Netzer

Derry City have completed the signing of 23-year-old Israeli defender Alon Netzer from Romanian side ASA Tirgu Mures.

The Candystripes confirmed the transfer following their final pre-season encounter with Dergview at Maginn Park on Monday night – a game in which Derry ran out 3-1 winners.

Netzer is the club’s fifth close season addition and is likely to conclude their business ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

His acquisition provides a welcome boost to Derry, who’ve lost defenders Patrick McClean and Niclas Vemmelund to Waterford and Dundalk respectively, while Max Karner has returned to Austria with UFC Siezenheim.

Aaron Barry and Ryan McBride are also unlikely to be fit for Friday’s league opener against Bohemians at Dalymount Park so manager Kenny Shiels will be relieved to have signed Netzer, who is eligible to represent both Israel and Romania at international level.

“We’re pleased to get him because we were low at the back,” Shiels told the club's official website.

“We’re covered in practically every position now. It’s another addition and I’ve been working hard on this. It hasn’t just happened it’s taken a little while and he’s a good footballer - a left side centre back and he brings healthy competition to the back four.

“He’s played in Romania against teams like Dinamo Bucharest and he’s played in his native country Israel. He’s got a Romanian passport so doesn’t need a work permit. I want to see him develop with us.”

Netzer added: “I am excited to be here and want to get started as soon as possible. I saw some players with good potential.

“I will train tomorrow and meet the team and get to know everyone. I haven’t seen much of the League of Ireland but I have heard it is an exciting league with lots of young players.”

Netzer started his career in Israel with Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon, where he made 54 league appearances before moving to the Romanian top-flight with Tirgu Mures in 2016.