Brisbane Roar can today announce that experienced goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis has joined the club from EFL Championship side Charlton Athletic FC for the 25/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Born in Sydney, Bouzanis moved to Liverpool at the age of 16 and featured for the Reds’ U18s and reserve sides, which included a loan stint to hometown club Sydney FC.
Bouzanis spent the 09/10 campaign on loan to EFL League Two side Accrington Stanley, before earning a permanent move to Oldham Athletic. Bouzanis went on to make 51 appearances for the then League One outfit.
Following spells with Greek side Aris FC, Carlisle United and Western Sydney Wanderers, which included a 2014 AFC Champions League medal, the shot stopper established himself as Melbourne City’s number one and earned a clean sheet as the side beat Sydney FC in the 2016 FFA Cup final to lift the club’s first-ever trophy.
Bouzanis also worked with Roar Head Coach, Michael Valkanis during his time at Melbourne City prior to his arrival in Brisbane.
A season-long loan with Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle followed his time in the A-Leagues, before Bouzanis returned to England in August 2020 to join Sutton United.
The former Greece and Australia youth international then joined Reading in the summer of 2022 before loan spells at Sutton United and Stevenage.
Bouzanis will add a wealth of experience to the Roar’s goalkeeping stocks for season 25/26, joining on a one-year deal with an option to extend his time at the club a further season contingent on performance.
Speaking on his return to the A-Leagues, Bouzanis said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be signing for the Roar, being such a big and successful club in the A-League.
“To come back and hear the ambitions of the club from Zac and Kaz to Michael and the coaching staff was a big factor in my decision.
“I’m looking forward to giving 100% every week and winning games of football.”
Head Coach Michael Valkanis said: “Having previously worked with Dean, I am looking forward to seeing him back in the A-Leagues and playing for Brisbane Roar.
“Dean is great with his feet and has strong ball distribution and along with his shot-stopping ability, will be invaluable for us in goals this season.
“He will also bring great experience, leadership and a winning mentality to the club.”
Despite the Men’s team beginning their pre-season training, the club looks forward to bringing in additional players in the weeks ahead.
