A-League: Cameroon international Olivier Baumal to add fire power to Jets attack

COACH Arthur Papas has added a major piece to the Newcastle Jets puzzle, with the addition of Cameroon striker Olivier Boumal. The 31-year-old flyer has signed a one-year deal and is expected to add some much-needed firepower to the Jets attack. A left-footer, Boumal can play across the front three and brings experience, having played in the J-League at Yokohama F. Marinos under former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou as well as in the Greece Super League and Chinese Super League. As well as an extensive club career, Boumal has six caps for Cameroon and featured at the 2019 African Cup of Nations and 2017 Confederations Cup. He also played for Cameroon in the under-20 World Cup in 2009. Although not a prolific goal-scorer, Boumal will add a new dynamic to the Jets attack "Olivier brings pace, creativity and flair to the team," Papas said. "He is able to play anywhere across the front line and is capable of producing match-winning moments. "We are excited to welcome him to the Jets." READ MORE: KIWI UTILITY TO ADD NEW DIMENSION TO JETS READ MORE: JETS COACH AWAITS MORE ARRIVALS READ MORE: JETS CAUGHT IN COVID CROSSFIRE Boumal is likely to team up with Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze in a new-look front third. The Jets have agreed to terms with another foreigner but are waiting for a visa to be approved before announcing his signature. Boumal most recently played in Georgia for FC Saburtalo in Tbilisi, where he didn't hit the target in nine appearances. However, he has played the majority of his career in Greece. In July 2017, Boumal joined Chinese Super league club Liaoning Whowin from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos in a $3.5 million transfer. He signed with Yokohama the following season - Postecoglou's first year at the helm - and scored two goals in 15 appearances. Papas joined Yokohama as Postecoglou's assistant in 2019 and although Boumal had departed he has received good reports on the Cameroon. The Jets will play a similar up-tempo style similar to Yokohama. "I chose Newcastle because the style of play that the coach offers is the one that suits me best, having already been through Yokohama where the same football is played, it made things easier and my decision too," Boumal said. "The boss is a great lover of beautiful football and I believe that this season, Newcastle will have a word to say in the championship. "I am a pure left footed player, a fast and explosive dribbler." Boumal and Mikeltadze, who is also in Georgia, are awaiting travel arrangements to Australia to be finalised. Meanwhile, talks are continuing with wantaway winger Joey Champness. The Newcastle Herald understands that Jets are not willing to release the 24-year-old to another A-League club, with a potential sale overseas a possibility. Cameron Devlin is awaiting visa to be approved before his move to Scottish Premier League club Hearts is finalised. IN THE NEWS Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: