New Zealand international Max Mata has signed for Sligo Rovers ahead of the 2022 Premier Division season.
The 21-year-old striker has joined the Bit O'Red from MLS Next Pro club Real Monarchs, having played for the Salt Lake club in the USL Championship - the States' second tier league.
Mata previously spent time with Swiss club Grasshopper after impressing in the FIFA under-20 World Cup with New Zealand.
He also enjoyed a fruitful time on loan with Estonian outfit Nomme Kalju, where he scored nine times in 11 league starts - 12 goals from 20 appearances overall - and lined out against Celtic in a Europa League qualifier.
Mata and Jordan Hamilton, the club's new Canadian striker, are expected to join their new team-mates this week and train with the squad ahead of Saturday's opener against Bohemians.
Rovers boss Liam Buckley said: “We’re delighted to get Max.
"He’s another really good footballer and a forward player to compliment Aidan Keena, Jordan Hamilton and Cillian Heaney who has done well this pre-season.
"“He’s done well in Europe beforehand. From a career point of view he’s on the up and we can see how driven he is and how much he wants to do well in the game.
“He’s still only 21 and played in the USL Championship last season so he’s coming here with good experience already. Both Jordan and Max will be with us this week hopefully and be part of training before the Bohemians game.
"The squad is close to completion but we remain in the market certainly. There are players out there who are of interest.
"It’s important to have a squad to get us through the season and that it is balanced."
Mata made his senior debut for New Zealand three years ago, against Lithuania. He will join fellow Kiwi Nando Pijnaker at the Showgrounds - the pair were previously in Switzerland together.
“I’m very happy to join Sligo Rovers," Mata said.
"When the chance came up I didn’t have to think long about it. I want to play games and I want to score goals and Ireland was very appealing.
"I’ve played in Europe before and done well and I definitely think I can do it again.
“I enjoyed the experience in America last season, with a regret of not playing as much as I would have liked. I’m very motivated to come to Sligo, play games and score goals.
“I don’t think integration will be a problem being an English-speaking country. I’m excited to experience the League of Ireland and play here.
“It’s just a matter of being focused and I’ll be totally committed to succeeding here.
"Sligo Rovers have been doing well in Ireland, I’ve spoken with the coach about what he wants the team to be and it all added up to me wanting to be in Sligo and achieving both my own targets and those of the team."
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