Kiwis 2025 mid year transfer window

Will be a few Kiwis on the move this European summer.

https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/44682629/when-does-summer-transfer-window-close-premier-league-serie-laliga-bundesliga-ligue-1

European summer window

The window will open early, between 1st June to 10th June to accommodate the Club World Cup. 

It will then close for six days before reopening, as usual in the UK, on 16th June. International deals not involving clubs in the Club World Cup, and free transfers, won't go through until 1st July.

Niche Cache will likely do an excellent summary of potential Kiwi male & female player moves over the Euro summer, but he's a quick list of possible male player transfers.

An transfer important window, as players look towards next year's World Cup.
No doubt I've missed someone

Paulsen - loan move to Hibs or a Championship/League One club?
Tzanev - a bit strange that he's upsurped Sail for no 3 GK spot this June. You'd think he needs to find a starters role at minimum L2 level to ward off Gray, Oli & Sims for next year's big event.
Gray - he did pre season with Ipswich 12 months ago, and stayed with them up to the January window. Maybe this time it will be an earlier loan move to L2/L1?
But then Greeny's picked him for the U20s games verus Chile, so Ipswich maybe planning to let him play in the Sept-Oct WC.
Sims - a few months ago strong rumours some UK clubs were very interested. Coventry?? He's trialled in the UK before.

Bindon - pre season at Forest, then who knows.
Pijnaker - had a good enough ALM season to get offers from Europe? At fault for Fornaroli's goal on the weekend
Stanger - off contract at Ayr. Rumours about English League One clubs circling
Tuiloma - contracted to Charlotte until MLS season ends. His future might be linked to whether either Hall or Pijnaker leave Auckland. Will need to take a pay cut to come into the ALM
Cacace - a top 5 league please. Otherwise yeah the Blades.
McGarry - still on contract at Dons for another 12 months. A mutual release to return to the Nix??
Wilkins - seems to be in sick bay more than he's available. Only 18 games (10 starts) in 1.5 seasons at SønderjyskE. Think he's contracted there another year, and they have retained their Superliga status for another season.

Stamenic - ditto as for Bindon
Bell - scouts incl from England apparently attending Viking games, and sounds like their fans are resigned to the fact he will be moving on. In career best form it seems
Dibley-Dias - now 21, and time to leave youth football. Contracted at Fulham to mid 2027.
Singh - there is an option there for a 2nd year at Leiria. Real up & down season he had there. The AWs just need Sarpreet happy & playing regularly somewhere. But where?
Just - aka Singh. Contracted to Horsens to 2026, though St Polten do have an option to buy him apparently. But he's too good for Austrian 2nd tier. Hopefully caught the eye of some top tier teams there. Would be a great pick up for the Nix. But chances of that low
McCowatt -a few seasons ago at Helsingor it was often Just who was the bigger star. But McC has slowly left his good mate behind somewhat. In career best club form. Lets see what happens.
Garbett - next move is an important one. Really his club career hasn't taken flight yet at all.
Old - contracted at St Etienne to 2028, and seems he's popular there already. But hey they are relegated so that always causes some uncertainity.
De Jong - not in Europe but got a Dutch name. I think he's off contract at Stellenbosch. Seems the PSL does pay well, and Stellies will again have CAF continental football next season. But he won't make the AWs from there. Others in his position have done well at Auckland

Mata - if as rumoured it's a return to relegated Shrewsbury Town, that seems a bit strange, unless Corica has said he's no longer in AFC's plans.
Waine - Nix? AFC? Or as seems most likely to keep grinding it out in the UK. He had a few team mates at Mansfield who at his age were still playing English 5th/6th tier, so that perhaps makes him feel is still too early to give up on Blighty just yet.
Dyer - the level may not be great but 9 goals in 16 LOI games is still some record. A couple of real bangers in there as well. Be interesting to see how he goes the next few weeks now that LOI defenders will all be very aware of him. Must be some L1/L2 clubs monitoring Dyer.


PS. Dane Ingham - was an AW as recently as last March In Egypt. Sounds like he's off to an Asian league. But you feel his national team days are done.
Clayton Lewis - gaol or goal(s). If he's ever found innocent, and allowed to play again - as a Nix fan I'd happily take him back. Especially now.

It’s going to be an interesting window. There are players out there who have to risk a move to keep them in mind for an All Whites spot at the World Cup.

Waine saying no to a return to Wellington surely suggests there’s some interest in him by a European club/s.

I’d love to see Bell go to England. His trip to Brondby didn’t work out for him, but I feel he is more than good enough for the danish league. I wonder if he just wasn’t a great fit at the club so as long as he gets the right English club he could thrive.

If Just doesn’t get any good European offers he should come home. Second tier of Austrian football is pretty uninspiring and he’d be at real risk of losing his All Whites spot ahead of the World Cup.

Tuiloma won’t be offered another contract so surely he’d move to the A-League. I heard he was on $700,000/season so you can see why he stayed. You’d think he’d still get a reasonable salary down under.

Why the surprise that Shrewsbury would want Mata back? They have gone down to League Two and will have seen Mata do reasonably well in a team bossing the A-League. And if they want him back there isn't a thing that Corica could do to keep him 

imanixsupporter

Why the surprise that Shrewsbury would want Mata back? They have gone down to League Two and will have seen Mata do reasonably well in a team bossing the A-League. And if they want him back there isn't a thing that Corica could do to keep him 

Because he was basically an abject failure in his first stint at Shrewsbury.
22 games, and 1 goal. Sent him back to Sligo, before Auckland picked him up

Admittedly it sounds like ST sometimes played him wide, rather than as the central striker.

And where would Mata want to play himself? In the ALM where he has done okay, or to club down in L2 where his first experience was poor. With Auckland he's in Bazeley's close orbit every week.

Mata knows Waine is just hanging in there at the moment as far as the AWs go. He ain't far off a recall. Injuries lately have hurt his AWs hopes.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/max--mata-/429717/

Niko Kirwan is apparently going to be released by his Italian club Padova.

And according to Niche Cache he's looking to leave Italy for a destination that will put him more in the window for a return to the AWs. Sounds a bit like an Auckland FC signing?? Though them signing a RB/RWB makes little sense on paper.

coochiee

Niko Kirwan is apparently going to be released by his Italian club Padova.

And according to Niche Cache he's looking to leave Italy for a destination that will put him more in the window for a return to the AWs. Sounds a bit like an Auckland FC signing?? Though them signing a RB/RWB makes little sense on paper.

unless Sakai is going to play CB next season? Then Kirwan and Elliot can squabble of the RB spot.

Or LB/RBcover at the Nix? Sprechen sie Italiano perchance? Heard few did last year! 
Used to play for Team Welly right?

martinb

Or LB/RBcover at the Nix? Sprechen sie Italiano perchance? Heard few did last year! 
Used to play for Team Welly right?

Did wonder about that, but I think he's very right footed, and don't envisage he could cover LB, where the Nix have a greater need for a new signing.

Yes he was with TeeDubs so will know the capital.

I wouldn't mind putting Sarpreet in the ALM with preferably the Nix seeing as they need it most but lets see. The Nix could play that role as a safety net for Kiwis who struggle in Europe similar to how AFC did for Mata and Pijnaker.

coochiee

martinb

Or LB/RBcover at the Nix? Sprechen sie Italiano perchance? Heard few did last year! 
Used to play for Team Welly right?

Did wonder about that, but I think he's very right footed, and don't envisage he could cover LB, where the Nix have a greater need for a new signing.

Yes he was with TeeDubs so will know the capital.

I think he would be worth a go regardless. Payne is best as a right back, but who knows what our centre back stocks will look like by the time the season arrives - could see him slotting in at right centre back. The only other right back we have is Sheridan, but is he even a right back at this point? Pretty sure he had more minutes in the midfield and centre back last season I think.

Also worth noting that he's an age bracket we desperately need amongst the squad. Wouldn't mind us floating an offer

freNZ

I wouldn't mind putting Sarpreet in the ALM with preferably the Nix seeing as they need it most but lets see. The Nix could play that role as a safety net for Kiwis who struggle in Europe similar to how AFC did for Mata and Pijnaker.

Singh is not coming back to the Aleague, and AFC's role as a club for kiwis to rebuild their careers is something the Nix have been doing for the Assies and Kiwis for 18 years.

A clever club would sign the likes of Bell, Just, Garbett, Cacace, etc to two-year contracts, knowing they would play in the World Cup - gambling that they will do at least OK enough for scouts from other clubs to think 'hmmm, that players worth a punt', and then sell them for a handsome profit. 

Which I think Forest have done something close to with Stamenic. 

Rusty Dunks

A clever club would sign the likes of Bell, Just, Garbett, Cacace, etc to two-year contracts, knowing they would play in the World Cup - gambling that they will do at least OK enough for scouts from other clubs to think 'hmmm, that players worth a punt', and then sell them for a handsome profit. 

Which I think Forest have done something close to with Stamenic. 

I think the other thing is that there are some transfer gems out there, and Forest’s strategy is to sign everyone in order to make sure they don’t miss them! It’s kind of worked so far. Every other promoted club has gone straight back down. 

We can confirm that Zac Jones will be departing the Bluebirds after three years with the club.

Zac arrived at the @OgiWales Bridge Meadow in 2022, and has made a lasting impression on everyone at the club.

Thank you for everything, Zac, and good luck for the future! 💙 pic.twitter.com/EiDaRsF9rI

— Haverfordwest County AFC 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@HaverfordwestFC) May 31, 2025

On the move

theprof

freNZ

I wouldn't mind putting Sarpreet in the ALM with preferably the Nix seeing as they need it most but lets see. The Nix could play that role as a safety net for Kiwis who struggle in Europe similar to how AFC did for Mata and Pijnaker.

Singh is not coming back to the Aleague, and AFC's role as a club for kiwis to rebuild their careers is something the Nix have been doing for the Assies and Kiwis for 18 years.

Which all whites have come back to the PHoenix and rebuilt their careers? I can't think of any apart from this recent improvement in output from Kosta. 

Josh Redfearn's contract with relegated National League South club Welling United expires this month.

7 goals in 28 appearances this season, plus some goals in the Kent Senior Cup, wonder if he's potentially done enough to  attract interest from a National League or even L2 side.

Elemenop

theprof

freNZ

I wouldn't mind putting Sarpreet in the ALM with preferably the Nix seeing as they need it most but lets see. The Nix could play that role as a safety net for Kiwis who struggle in Europe similar to how AFC did for Mata and Pijnaker.

Singh is not coming back to the Aleague, and AFC's role as a club for kiwis to rebuild their careers is something the Nix have been doing for the Assies and Kiwis for 18 years.

Which all whites have come back to the PHoenix and rebuilt their careers? I can't think of any apart from this recent improvement in output from Kosta. 

Agruably McGarry did. Agruably.
Returned from Holland, and played enough under Uffie to get a gig first at the Jets and then Mariners. Maybe have even been  a visa player in Aussie?

If you were Eli Just, you could look at Clayton Lewis who was someone who struggled in Europe (Scun-thorpe), but built a solid ALM career at the Nix. Plus obviously all the NZ guys this season who have gone to Auckland and helped their World Cup prospects. 

Don't see Singh as an option for the Nix, but if by July, Palmy boy Just had nothing at all at a level above the Austrian 2nd tier going on - he could be a chance for the Phoenix. They would need to pay him well.

coochiee

Elemenop

theprof

freNZ

I wouldn't mind putting Sarpreet in the ALM with preferably the Nix seeing as they need it most but lets see. The Nix could play that role as a safety net for Kiwis who struggle in Europe similar to how AFC did for Mata and Pijnaker.

Singh is not coming back to the Aleague, and AFC's role as a club for kiwis to rebuild their careers is something the Nix have been doing for the Assies and Kiwis for 18 years.

Which all whites have come back to the PHoenix and rebuilt their careers? I can't think of any apart from this recent improvement in output from Kosta. 

Agruably McGarry did. Agruably.
Returned from Holland, and played enough under Uffie to get a gig first at the Jets and then Mariners. Maybe have even been  a visa player in Aussie?

If you were Eli Just, you could look at Clayton Lewis who was someone who struggled in Europe (Scun-thorpe), but built a solid ALM career at the Nix. Plus obviously all the NZ guys this season who have gone to Auckland and helped their World Cup prospects. 

Don't see Singh as an option for the Nix, but if by July, Palmy boy Just had nothing at all at a level above the Austrian 2nd tier going on - he could be a chance for the Phoenix. They would need to pay him well.

Boxall got released by Toronto(?) and came to the Nix. Kosta is not a small one either. Since the red card he’s been less than his best. 
Steven Old had a spell in England after us! 
Tim Payne is now an attacking RB, after not breaking through at the Blackburn academy and playing NPC. 
Piper is better than he was in amateur. 
Sam Sutton got a pay raise! 

And yes I think we’ve tended to leave the lads who’re already overseas alone and focus on producing more, so not a bad list considering.

Hutcho137

We can confirm that Zac Jones will be departing the Bluebirds after three years with the club.

Zac arrived at the @OgiWales Bridge Meadow in 2022, and has made a lasting impression on everyone at the club.

Thank you for everything, Zac, and good luck for the future! 💙 pic.twitter.com/EiDaRsF9rI

— Haverfordwest County AFC 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@HaverfordwestFC) May 31, 2025

On the move

The New Saints (Current Cymru Premier Champions + First Round Qualifiers for UCL when that kicks off) or Newport County (League Two - 22nd in 24/25, just avoiding relegation to the National League) are the rumours.

The New Saints first choice keeper retired at the end of latest campaign (32 years old!) but he did manage 55 appearances across all competitions in 24/25.

Somehow I think he'd fancy another crack at some European football to be fair, even if there are murmurings from elsewhere in Wales. 

And hey, if he was worried about making a go of it in England, well TNS are based just East of the Welsh border in Shropshire, a mere stones throw from Shrewsbury Town, where Max Mata is likely headed back to for the 25/26 - Also in League Two!

TNS love a Kiwi. Greg Draper had 10 seasons there. 252 and 163 goals!
A few European football campaigns.

Wiki tells me he's now the The New Saints under-21s coach.

coochiee

TNS love a Kiwi. Greg Draper had 10 seasons there. 252 and 163 goals!
A few European football campaigns.

Wiki tells me he's now the The New Saints under-21s coach.

Another could have been player! Had a great Olympic campaign iirc, but then basically gave away his New Zealand career…still went from the Nix to European football- that’s gotta count…

Niko confirmed to be leaving Padova. Apparently the Serie B regulations and the desire of his club to bring down the team's average age were the deciding factors.
Really feel for him. He's no Roberto Carlos, but he's worked hard and deserved a second season in Serie B. Be interesting to see where he ends up.

martinb

coochiee

TNS love a Kiwi. Greg Draper had 10 seasons there. 252 and 163 goals!
A few European football campaigns.

Wiki tells me he's now the The New Saints under-21s coach.

Another could have been player! Had a great Olympic campaign iirc, but then basically gave away his New Zealand career…still went from the Nix to European football- that’s gotta count…

It counts but I mean the Welsh league is well below the A-League in terms of quality.

Buffon II

martinb

coochiee

TNS love a Kiwi. Greg Draper had 10 seasons there. 252 and 163 goals!
A few European football campaigns.

Wiki tells me he's now the The New Saints under-21s coach.

Another could have been player! Had a great Olympic campaign iirc, but then basically gave away his New Zealand career…still went from the Nix to European football- that’s gotta count…

It counts but I mean the Welsh league is well below the A-League in terms of quality.

I know man. Taking Ws where we can get them currently! 

Tbh if I were him I'd go to TNS, despite the league quality. Beats living in Newport.

Newport is only 13 miles, or a 25 min drive from Cardiff. That's if Google is correct.

Be nice to see another Kiwi in the UK lower leagues if that Newport County rumoured interest is true. 

But also read that TNS is a full professional club (the only one in Wales??). Plus yes they are in Europe.

coochiee

Newport is only 13 miles, or a 25 min drive from Cardiff. That's if Google is correct.

Be nice to see another Kiwi in the UK lower leagues if that Newport County rumoured interest is true. 

But also read that TNS is a full professional club (the only one in Wales??). Plus yes they are in Europe.

Only one in Wales - Annual budget of £1.2 million across staff and players. Top paid players take home about £1200 a week

Annual Turnover at Haverfordwest - Not their budget, just what the club brings in, was about £400,000 (from a couple of years back before their last European jaunt).

He's done the hard yards and the slog at that level in Wales and has worked his way up to get noticed, so hopefully a good pay bump for Jones wherever he may end up.

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Newport is only 13 miles, or a 25 min drive from Cardiff. That's if Google is correct.

Be nice to see another Kiwi in the UK lower leagues if that Newport County rumoured interest is true. 

But also read that TNS is a full professional club (the only one in Wales??). Plus yes they are in Europe.

Only one in Wales - Annual budget of £1.2 million across staff and players. Top paid players take home about £1200 a week

Annual Turnover at Haverfordwest - Not their budget, just what the club brings in, was about £400,000 (from a couple of years back before their last European jaunt).

He's done the hard yards and the slog at that level in Wales and has worked his way up to get noticed, so hopefully a good pay bump for Jones wherever he may end up.

Technically the only professional club in *the Cymru Premier*, that is - the club is based in England, bizarrely. Another reason why the rest of the league bloody hates them. 

Anyways, my Newport slander aside, it really would be the better move. League Two is obviously miles better than Cymru prem, and has a lot more eyes on it - plus living in such a stabby town has to be good for a keeper's reflexes, no?

Go Barry Town!! I used to stay down the road in Dinas Powis.

LG

Go Barry Town!! I used to stay down the road in Dinas Powis.

How good! Did ya ever get down to CCS/Ninian Park?

A bit surprised we haven't heard where Kosta is going yet. He surely won't be going away on international duty without having signed somewhere, would be a crazy risk to his livelihood. Must just be a case of the announcement being delayed. You'd also hope Garbett has signed somewhere too, or if he hasn't then maybe that is why he will be a bench option only this window (according to AV). 

RRumour has it he’s off to WSW?

Simon B

RRumour has it he’s off to WSW?

Yeah there was a podcast that featured Paul Ifill the other week that basically came out and said it was between WSW and Victory.

Fan base at Western Sydney clearly not happy they're in for Kosta though. 😬

imanixsupporter

A bit surprised we haven't heard where Kosta is going yet. He surely won't be going away on international duty without having signed somewhere, would be a crazy risk to his livelihood. Must just be a case of the announcement being delayed. You'd also hope Garbett has signed somewhere too, or if he hasn't then maybe that is why he will be a bench option only this window (according to AV). 

Garbett hasn’t played a football game for 6 mths. That’s why he’ll be on the pine.

He could sign for Barca, that won’t change the fact he totally lacks match fitness

yeah but he started both games in March after not playing for 2 whole months at that point. Either way I'm glad he won't be starting, he wasn't anywhere near his best in that window

coochiee

imanixsupporter

A bit surprised we haven't heard where Kosta is going yet. He surely won't be going away on international duty without having signed somewhere, would be a crazy risk to his livelihood. Must just be a case of the announcement being delayed. You'd also hope Garbett has signed somewhere too, or if he hasn't then maybe that is why he will be a bench option only this window (according to AV). 

Garbett hasn’t played a football game for 6 mths. That’s why he’ll be on the pine.

He could sign for Barca, that won’t change the fact he totally lacks match fitness

Are my messages not coming through?
Libby to Torino the newest rumour out of Italy...

newzealandpower

Are my messages not coming through?
Libby to Torino the newest rumour out of Italy...

 That's not as exciting as the last rumour.

Elemenop

newzealandpower

Are my messages not coming through?
Libby to Torino the newest rumour out of Italy...

 That's not as exciting as the last rumour.

True, but you'd think much better chance Libby can crack the starting lineup at Torino. Sounds like that would be tough to do with Roma.

Torino (11th this season) a bigger club than Empoli. He'd still be moving upwards

coochiee

Elemenop

newzealandpower

Are my messages not coming through?
Libby to Torino the newest rumour out of Italy...

 That's not as exciting as the last rumour.

True, but you'd think much better chance Libby can crack the starting lineup at Torino. Sounds like that would be tough to do with Roma.

Torino (11th this season) a bigger club than Empoli. He'd still be moving upwards

100% . I'm a huge fan of Libby's, but between Angelino, Saelemakers (if he stays) and even El Shaarawi who has played as a LWB, he wouldn't see the pitch much at all.
At Torino he'd have a chance to progress further and develop some more.