Chapman ripped up his deal with K-League side Pohang Steelers shortly after signing a new two year extension, amid local newspaper reports that he had missed training after picking up an infection while on holiday in Bali and Australia.

He was reportedly late to join his side's training camp in Turkey amid conflicting reports about his condition, with local press claiming the club doctor found nothing wrong with the player.

The saga took a weird twist when one local doctor told the Pohang media he suspected Chapman had picked up a brain parasite from eating wild boar, sparking an angry reaction from the player.

"How has this “professor” diagnosed me if he has never seen any results about me?" the former Newcastle Jet tweeted after the article appeared.

"Apparently I now have a brain parasite?? Poor journalism...Also, my brain is fine."

The club finally terminated Chapman's deal last month, just two weeks out from the start of the new K-League season.

Chapman declined to discuss the row last month, but today Western United revealed they had signed the defender/defensive midfielder on a two year deal.

It marks a return to Melbourne and the A-League for Chapman who last played in Australia for three seasons with Melbourne City before joining Incheon United in 2017.

He is the new club's third confirmed signing, joining superstar marquee and Greek international Panagiotis Kone and Socceroo Joshua Risdon.

“I am very excited to join Western United as we embark on our inaugural season," said Chapman today.

"My experience in the very tough Korean League has been invaluable, and at 24 for I feel that I am entering the peak of my career.

"Representing this new and exciting club in Western United in the A-League is a great opportunity for me personally, and for team success and I look forward to building something special with my future teammates, and for the fans of the west.”

WUFC CEO Maurice Bisetto said “We are delighted to add Connor to our fledgling squad.

"Our coaching staff have been working diligently to identify targets as we prepare for our inaugural season in October 2019 and we couldn't be happier to have the calibre of Panagiotis, Joshua and now Connor commit to our club.

"We feel we are forming a very competitive squad, who will be supported by a great coaching staff, and combined, will represent the west of Melbourne in the best possible light."