Max Burgess is seemingly set to become the second Wellington Phoenix player to follow Mark Rudan to A-League newcomers Western United FC.
Attacking midfielder Burgess announced on Thursday he would leave Wellington this month and while he hasn't revealed where he will play, it is believed he has signed up for Western United's inaugural campaign next season.
If so, he would follow the footsteps of brilliant Phoenix goalkeeper Filip Kurto, who this week confirmed a two-year deal with the Geelong-based expansion outfit.
Western United are poised to announce Rudan as their head coach following his successful one-season stint in Wellington and he appears to be plucking players from the team he steered to the finals for the first time in four years.
Burgess, 24, was one of the surprise packets of their six-placed campaign after joining Wellington from NSW National Premier League club Sydney Olympic FC.
He came off the bench in 16 of his 23 appearances but his late-season form was enough to oust playmaker Sarpreet Singh from the starting lineup in their elimination final loss to Melbourne Victory.
Burgess failed to score in his maiden A-League season but delivered three assists.
"I've had the opportunity of playing with a great group of footballers and it's been an absolute privilege wearing the Wellington Phoenix shirt and living in this fantastic city," Burgess said.
AAP
