Some hope Rufer is staying. If you watch the chat with Greeny it certainly doesn't sound like any deal with the Jets is done and dusted.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360969105/phoenix-coach-alex-rufers-future
Good news is that Sarpreet is ready to play (likely off the pine).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360968587/alex-rufer-suspended-season-finale-phoenix-future-remains-uncertain
....a significant rebuild looms, with at least a dozen players off contract, including Rufer and all five imports.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360969105/phoenix-coach-alex-rufers-future
Good news is that Sarpreet is ready to play (likely off the pine).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360968587/alex-rufer-suspended-season-finale-phoenix-future-remains-uncertain
....a significant rebuild looms, with at least a dozen players off contract, including Rufer and all five imports.
There have been no re-signings since Greenacre took charge, but the club stalwart has made it clear Rufer is a priority amid speculation linking him with A-League leaders Newcastle Jets.
Rufer has previously expressed a desire to play overseas and, at 29, this may be his last opportunity.
He has made 189 appearances for the Phoenix since debuting against the Jets in 2014 and has captained the side for the past five seasons.
“He’s been fully focussed on trying to get us into the finals and he, like all the players, have been fully onboard with what we’re trying to do and he didn’t want any distractions personally and that’s a credit to him,” Greenacre said.
“We’ll let the dust settle [on the season] and hopefully we can get a signature from him.”
Also off contract are imports Ifeanyi Eze, Kazuki Nagasawa, Josh Oluwayemi and Manjrekar James, while Sander Kartum is only on a short-term loan.
Defenders Tim Payne, Bill Tuiloma and Isaac Hughes are the only regular starters signed for 2026-27.
“A lot of the guys, when their contracts are up, you’re in this industry and know how the land lies, but we’ll have discussions with players next week and hopefully we can try to look to build in the near future, whether it’s me in charge [or not].
“I’ve got some ideas [on who we want to keep], but if it’s not me then the club is going to be here long after us, so it’s important we give the best honest assessment for whoever the coach is going to be.”
While Rufer will miss the season finale, the Phoenix will be boosted by the return of All Whites playmaker Sarpreet Singh.
“Apart from fitness he’s fully ready to go, so hopefully we’ll get Sarpreet on the field and let him enjoy being a part of the last game.
“He’s worked extremely hard and hopefully we see his spark and we can get on him on that plane to America [for the World Cup].”