From Australia to Italy: The European Odyssey of Mathew Ryan | OneFootball

Mathew Ryan is still waiting for his Roma debut after joining the club as a short-term replacement for departed goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The Italian giants splashed out around €3.5 million to capture the 32-year-old’s services in the summer in response to the Portuguese veteran’s departure.

Rui Patricio was a regular first-choice between the sticks since swapping Wolverhampton Wanderers for Roma in 2021. However, after the club relieved Jose Mourinho of his duties last January, the 36-year-old lost his place in the starting line-up.

Former manager Daniele De Rossi promoted up-and-coming Mile Svilar as the club’s number one choice in goal. De Rossi’s decision convinced Roma not to extend Patricio’s contract, resulting in his exit in the summer. Following a decent three-year stint at the Stadio Olimpico, he linked up with Atalanta on a season-long deal.

Left with a vacancy in goal, Roma went for Ryan, a career journeyman. While Ryan waits for his chance to impress in Serie A, Australian fans back home might find solace in some fast paying online casinos for Aussie players, where quick rewards are just a click away. Perhaps a new managerial shift in the capital could further his cause.

Indeed, after an underwhelming brief spell in the dugout, Roma fired ex-Torino head coach Ivan Juric. The Giallorossi are reportedly contemplating bringing Claudio Ranieri back from retirement, knowing they need a wartime manager to navigate troubled waters amid a heavily disappointing Serie A start.

In the meantime, Ryan is patiently waiting for his chance as we take a quick look at his exciting European path. What a ride it’s been so far!

Ryan made a name for himself in his native Australia with Central Coast Mariners. After three impressive seasons in the A-League, he left his homeland in 2013 to embark on what would become an adventurous European journey.

His first stop was Belgium, where he joined Club Brugge and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top goalkeepers. Ryan’s performances caught the eye of La Liga side Valencia, leading to his move to Spain in 2015.

Despite showing promise, injuries and stiff competition restricted his game time, prompting a loan switch to Belgian outfit Genk. However, it was his subsequent move to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2017 that truly put him on the map, where he became a fan favorite for his shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure.

Ryan joined the Seagulls to help them protect their top-flight status in their maiden Premier League campaign and excelled. Little did he know his heroics would mean nothing to manager Graham Potter three years later. With the emergence of Robert Sanchez, Potter asked Ryan to leave in January 2021.

None other than Arsenal came calling for his signature. Strapped for reliable options, the Gunners signed Ryan on a short-term loan. But after failing to secure regular first-team football in London, he left England for Spain again in the summer of 2021.

A move to Real Sociedad was supposed to revive his career. Yet, he departed San Sebastian after just one season to team up with Danish powerhouse Copenhagen. Unable to dislodge Kamil Grabara, Ryan packed his bags the following summer to open a new chapter in the Netherlands.

Indeed, he put pen to paper on a year-and-a-half contract with AZ Alkmaar in January 2023. It proved a solid choice as he nailed down the starting berth at AFAS Stadion, ultimately earning a switch to Roma this summer. Yet, his career is in limbo again.