Sydney FC sensation and Subway Socceroos defender Hayden Matthews has completed a record-breaking transfer to EFL Championship side Portsmouth.
Matthews has swapped Sydney for Portsmouth in a multi-million dollar, club-record fee – with the deal marking the third-highest transfer fee in Isuzu UTE A-League history and sets a new benchmark as the highest valuation ever for an A-League Men defender.
Matthews has called Sydney home for the past eight years, having joined the Sky Blues’ academy as a 12-year-old.
It has been a breakout year for the Australia international, who backed up his senior Sydney debut with his maiden Socceroos cap in November.
Matthews leaves Sydney having made 35 senior appearances across the Isuzu-UTE A-League, AFC Champions League Two and Australia Cup.
“Sydney FC has the best youth development pathway in Australian football,” said Matthews.
“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the coaching staff to my teammates, and of course, the amazing Sky Blues Members and fans. I’ll always be a fan myself, and I hope to come back and play here again one day.”
Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay said: “Hayden has been a credit to Sydney FC both on and off the field.
“This move is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.
Talay added: “Hayden’s journey from Academy graduate to senior team regular and now to the Championship shows the strength of our development system.
“We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.”
