Wellington Phoenix have signed Major League Soccer (MLS) player Bryce Duke, one of two new additions to bolster their ranks ahead of the A-League season.

The Phoenix completed the one-year deal paperwork with Duke and former Phoenix player Walter Scott just before the end of the registration deadline on Tuesday night.

Duke’s one-year contract has an option for a further season.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has played more than 140 games in MLS, most recently with San Diego FC following stints with CF Montreal, Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC, scoring six goals between 2020 and this year.

Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre said he had been looking for an attacking midfielder and Duke fitted the bill.

“Ultimately, he’s someone who wants to play football. We feel that he would be the perfect fit for how we want to build things here in Wellington.

“He’s technically very very good, he brings quite a lot of creativity, he’s got the ability to unlock a defence with his weight of pass. Those are the attributes that we want in our squad,” he said.

Duke said the deal happened quickly.

“I couldn’t be more excited to experience a whole new world, to be part of the community, part of the team, and I’m just looking forward to giving my all for the badge.”

Duke, who will wear the No 7 shirt in the new season, and Scott, who will have No 5, are the 20th and 21st players contracted by the Nix for the new season, which starts for them on Sunday, 18 October when they host Melbourne Victory.

Scott, 26, played the 2019-20 season in Wellington, notching three A-League appearances, mainly as back-up to Liberato Cacace.

He has played the past three seasons for Macarthur FC, being part of their Australia Cup title victory in 2024.

“Walter brings a wealth of experience and he’s played a large number of A-League games,” Greenacre said.

“He’s up to speed with the league, and arguably one of the best pros that we’ve ever had at the club in terms of his application to his craft.”

The Phoenix play Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season match in NSW on Saturday.