Wanderers close in on Jurman to stoke up derby tensions

Western Sydney Wanderers are set to snap up Socceroos stopper Matt Jurman in a deal which will add extra spice to rivalry with arch-enemies Sydney FC.

Matt Jurman in 2016, then with Sydney FC, gets in an argument with then Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper Liam Reddy. Source: Getty Images

Jurman, 29, is a two-time title winner with the Sky Blues and his looming move to their bitterest foes will stoke up passions when the two sides meet in the first derby of the new season at Bankwest Stadium on October

Jurman announced his departure from Saudi powerhouse Al Ittihad on social media.

Coach Markus Babbel plans to play Jurman on the left side of a back three with fellow new recruit Dylan McGowan on the right and German Patrick Ziegler in the middle.

Jurman spent 13 months in Saudi Arabia after signing from K-League outfit Suwon Bluewings.

His A-League pedigree runs deep with six seasons at Sydney over two spells, interspersed with two years at Brisbane Roar.

Jurman said on Twitter on Friday - “Excited to share that as of today I’m a free agent. Looking forward to my next opportunity. Thanks to the club, players and fans for the experience in Saudi Arabia."