Kaya FC-Iloilo Signs Jesse Curran Iloilo adds even more firepower to the lineup by bringing on the Australian-Scottish-Filipino dynamo.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is excited to announce the latest addition to the roster: Jesse Curran. The 25 year-old Philippine National Team prospect played 50 games in the Scottish Premier League before spending the last few years in Thailand. Armed with explosive pace and crisp technique, Jesse has all the tools to be a gamechanger both on the flank and in the center of the pitch.

Though he was born and raised in Tasmania, Australia, Curran is of Scottish descent on his father’s side and of Filipino descent on his mother’s side. He was a rising star in the Australian youth circuit, even earning a trial with Manchester City’s U-18 academy when he was 16 years-old.

Jesse’s pro football journey took him around the world beginning in 2015, when he moved to Europe after signing with Dundee FC of the Scottish Premiership. After five seasons honing his skills with the Dark Blues, he then moved to Asia to play in the Thai Premier League for a couple of years. With valuable footballing experience under his belt, his next stop takes him to the Philippines. Having gotten the chance to play professionally in his dad’s homeland, he now has the opportunity to do so in his mom’s maiden country as well.

“I’m feeling excited to play in the Philippines and experiencing the football here. The country has many top players, so it will be good to test myself against them,” Curran said in a statement.

“I heard a lot of good things about Kaya. I watched them win the Copa last year and I hope I can join the team and make us even better,” he added. “Hopefully, we can win some games and trophies together.”

In terms of his International career, Jesse’s eligible to represent either Australia, Scotland, or the Philippines. He actually found himself the target of a recruiting race between the three nations, though the midfielder has been leaning towards the Azkals for some time now. Once all the requisite paperwork gets finalized, he has a spot on the National Team waiting for him—though this does mean that Jesse will be occupying a foreign player slot while his Passport is being processed.

“Jesse is a player who came across the radar of Philippine football as a potential player for the national team four years ago. He has a lot of experience playing in well established leagues,” said Kaya President and GM Paul Tolentino. “We are eager to see him finally play in the Philippines and most especially in Kaya colors. We hope he can pass on his knowledge and experience to our group of players.”

Starting out as a defensive midfielder at Dundee before being converted to a winger/wingback in Thailand, Curran has the tactical versatility to fill several roles for Kaya. He can reinforce the middle and shore up the defence, considering the departures of Dylan de Bruycker, Marwin Angeles, and Masanari Omura. Or perhaps he’ll be stationed out wide and set loose on opposing defenders, boosting the wing rotation alongside Daizo Horikoshi, Eric Giganto, Fitch Arboleda, and Shirmar Felongco. Coach Yu Hoshide certainly has options here, but the man himself puts it best when describing his strengths and what he brings to the table.

“I’m a direct player, I’m fast, and I like to cross and provide assists. I think with the coach’s advice and training, I’ll have no problem adapting to the Kaya style of play!”