Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the release of Oskar Van Hattum from the remainder of his Isuzu UTE A-League contract to join Irish outfit Sligo Rovers.
Van Hattum leaves Wellington for the League of Ireland Premier Division, where the forward has signed for Sligo Rovers in 2025.
“I’ve been here for over a third of my life so I’m stepping away from home, all of the amazing people I’ve worked with and all of the teammates that have helped me get to where I am.
“It’s sad to finally be making the decision to leave but at the same time there’s a certain level of excitement jumping into what I would almost consider an unknown, considering how inaccessible the Irish league is in New Zealand.
“And I think that’s what’s exciting about this move to have new surroundings, new faces and new opportunities.
“It’s time for a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Wellington director of football Shaun Gill added: “Following ongoing discussions with OVH about his playing future at the club, we agreed that it was best for him to pursue this opportunity.
“We look forward to following him at Sligo Rovers and we hope to see another of our academy graduates kick on with his professional career.
