Latest news with #GoldenBoot
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates chase Angola's Laurindo Depu
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are now battling for the signature of a COSAFA Cup star that has caught the attention of South Africa's biggest football clubs. Laurindo Depu Aurelio became the standout player of the 2025 COSAFA Cup, clinching the Golden Boot with an impressive eight goals. The Angolan forward's red-hot form did not go unnoticed, with both Chiefs and Pirates closely tracking his performances during the tournament. A well-placed source revealed that scouts from both camps monitored Depu throughout the competition. 'What I can tell you is that both teams had their scouts there. The scouts were all happy with what they saw in Depu and they enquired about him. Apparently Chiefs wanted their defender Inacio Miguel to help them talk to the player and his representatives. And Pirates also believed to be willing to talk to the player,' the source shared. Kaizer Chiefs appear to be accelerating their interest in Depu as a potential alternative to Feisal Salum. With the Tanzanian midfielder likely out of reach for this transfer window, the Glamour Boys are turning their attention to bolstering their attacking options. Depu, 25, is currently contracted to Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente. But spent the previous season on loan at Serbian side FK Vojvodina. His international record with Angola speaks volumes, and his two goals against South Africa in the COSAFA Cup final, which Angola won 3-0, sent a clear message to Betway Premiership scouts. Orlando Pirates have also thrown their hat into the ring. The Bucs, known for pouncing on top African talent, view Depu as a valuable addition to their striking department. With both clubs expressing concrete interest. The Soweto derby could extend to the transfer market in what may be a fierce battle for Depu's signature. Which team would suit Depu best? Kaizer Chiefs or Pirates? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sky Blues ace seals English Championship move
A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Sega speaks. 🗣️ — Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) June 18, 2025 Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day."
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
The Knights' six rising talents in State of Origin arena
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Sky Blues ace seals English Championship move
A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day." A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day." A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day."
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sky Blues ace seals English Championship move
A-League Men star Adrian Segecic is off to Europe after snaring a move to English Championship side Portsmouth. Sydney FC were keen to retain the services of the highly-rated forward, but the lure of a three-year contract proved too strong. The 21-year-old will reunite with former Sky Blues teammate Hayden Matthews at the English club, as well as fellow ALM talents Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar). "Adrian is a really exciting young player – one of the hottest prospects coming out of Australia at the moment," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website. "We've already had some success with bringing people over from that part of the world and we hope that Adrian can now make a real impact at Pompey." Segecic leaves as the reigning Golden Boot winner, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches this season. His move gifts Sydney FC a substantial six-figure fee in compensation for the Young Socceroos midfielder. Segecic said the move came at the right time after nine years at the club. "I'm honestly devastated to be leaving Sydney FC – this club has been my home for almost a decade," Segecic said in a club statement. "But I know I have to test myself and find out how far I can take my career. "I'm so excited for what's ahead of me in England, but I'll always be grateful to Sydney FC for the incredible opportunities they've given me." Segecic lit up the ALM after a loan spell at Dutch club FC Dordrecht last season. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Sky Blues appearances across all competitions. Sydney coach Ufuk Talay could only praise Segecic, keeping his fingers crossed on a potential return in the future. "His hunger to improve and his desire to perform every week really stood out - he absolutely deserves this opportunity," Talay said. "While we would have loved to keep him ... he's determined to test himself in one of the toughest leagues in world football, and we're proud that our pathway has enabled him to do that. "He's a homegrown boy done good, and we'd love to see him back in Sky Blue one day."
