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By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 10: 57 AEDT, 25 October 2025 | Updated: 11: 17 AEDT, 25 October 2025 View comments Rhys Youlley was spoilt for choice when it came to his football future - but ultimately, the chance to return to Sydney FC made the decision an easy one. The attacking midfielder, 20, rejected offers from rival A-League clubs - as well as interest in Europe - and Youlley couldn't be happier. A season-opening 2-1 defeat against Adelaide on October 17 was eye-opening, with the Sky Blues appearing to chase shadows at times. Saturday night against the Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval offers a shot at redemption - and Youlley can't wait to put on a show in front of the home fans. 'I could have stayed in Europe, but after speaking to my family, we decided Sydney FC was the best move for me, ' he told the Daily Mail. 'That's why I signed a three-year deal, Sydney FC has always been a big club. Rhys Youlley was spoilt for choice when it came to his football future - but ultimately, the chance to return to Sydney FC made the decision an easy one The attacking midfielder, 20, rejected offers from rival A-League clubs - as well as interest in Europe - and Youlley couldn't be happier (pictured, playing at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup earlier this month) '(Coach) Ufuk Talay has an exciting project, and it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of. 'While he didn't make any guarantees, he said if I played well, opportunities would follow. ' The former Sky Blues Academy player spent the past two years in Belgium after signing with Westerlo. Youlley bided his time before breaking into the first team. He found his time abroad challenging at times, but invaluable. 'I got to see (first-hand) how hard footballers over there really work, and played against some big teams in the league, like Standard Liege and Anderlecht, ' he said.   'I think going overseas at such a young age has helped the mental part of my game. ' The young gun also recently played in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile with the Young Socceroos, where he started against Italy and Argentina in the group stage alongside club teammate Paul Okon-Engstler. 'It was an amazing experience, and it showed where we should be at, ' Youlley said. The former Sky Blues Academy player spent the past two years in Belgium, after signing with Westerlo, and eventually broke into the first team A post shared by Football Australia (@footballaus) 'I think we did the nation proud, even if results didn't go our way. ' Talay has no doubt the acquisition of Youlley can help his team challenge for silverware. 'Rhys is technically very good. He's a very smart footballer with a high football IQ, ' he said. 'He has a good passing range, is a real threat at set pieces, and I believe he can grow into a complete central midfielder. 'We are building a team with a clear identity, and he fits perfectly into that vision. '

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