RANKED: The 10 Best Signings of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 Season

Who had the most impactful signing of the season in the Isuzu UTE A-League?

As clubs across the league gear up to finalise their squads for the upcoming season, they will be eager to see if their new acquisitions for 2025-26 will have the same transformative effect as the standout signings from last season.

In reviewing the exceptional players who donned new jerseys in 2024-25, aleagues.com.au reveals its list of the top 10 signings of the season, featuring four players from Auckland FC and one rising Australian talent among the most noteworthy additions.

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10. Asumah Abubakar: Brisbane Roar

Asumah Abubakar appeared in only 11 matches during the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season, yet his immediate influence at Brisbane Roar after joining in February established him as one of the season’s most impactful signings.

Arriving from Swiss Super League outfit Grasshopper Club Zürich during the mid-season transfer window, Abubakar made his debut for the Roar in Round 20. It took him four matches to score, but his first goal against Perth Glory marked the beginning of an exciting phase for the Ghanaian forward, who finished the season with four goals and two assists.

Abubakar’s contribution extended beyond mere stats; his dribbling skills and hold-up play fostered a stronger link between Brisbane’s midfield and attack. The Roar secured 15 out of their 21 points while Abubakar was in the squad, steering clear of the wooden spoon.

9. Douglas Costa: Sydney FC

Brazilian star Douglas Costa joined Sydney FC amidst significant excitement; in signing the former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger, the Sky Blues added a globally renowned player who has experienced a prestigious career, boasting three Serie A titles, three Bundesliga titles, and 31 caps for Brazil.

While Sydney FC’s 2024-25 season concluded in disappointment, Costa offered plenty of moments for devoted Sky Blues fans and neutral observers to remember throughout his 16 league outings.

Costa recorded four goals and five assists in the 2024-25 campaign and will continue with Sydney for another season, having inked a two-year contract with the club.

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8. Kai Trewin: Melbourne City

Kai Trewin experienced a breakout season in 2024-25 after transferring from Brisbane Roar to Melbourne City during the off-season.

Having spent five seasons with the Roar, Trewin joined City in May 2024, signalling his ambition to follow in the footsteps of numerous City graduates who received Socceroos call-ups in previous years.

He expressed at the time, “Watching so many young talents progress at City, develop their football, and move abroad to represent the Socceroos was a major factor in my decision to join the club.”

Trewin’s debut season went remarkably well, featuring in 27 matches and accruing more playing time (2,344 minutes) than in any previous season, contributing significantly as City achieved a second-place finish and clinched the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship.

He earned his first Socceroos call-up in March and, while still awaiting his senior international debut, has appeared in the matchday squad for Australia’s last four World Cup qualifiers.

7. Dan Hall: Auckland FC

Auckland FC, newcomers to the Isuzu UTE A-League, made headlines with the signing of two-time Champion Dan Hall from Central Coast Mariners ahead of their inaugural season.

Hall quickly made his mark, forming a solid central defensive partnership with Nando Pijnaker as Auckland launched a winning streak of seven consecutive matches with Hall on the pitch.

A fractured ankle in December sidelined him for three months, but he returned strongly in March; the 26-year-old played nine more matches for Auckland, losing only two as they secured the Premiership title, though they narrowly missed out on the Grand Final after losing the two-legged Semi-Final to Melbourne Victory.

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6. Eli Adams: Newcastle Jets

After featuring in just 23 matches over four seasons between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, Eli Adams made a significant step by joining Newcastle Jets for the 2024-25 season, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most electrifying attacking midfielders in the league.

He made 24 appearances in his debut season with the Jets, contributing nine goals along with an assist, with several astounding finishes among them.

Adams’ brilliant solo effort won Goal of the Month in March, and he consistently found the net, scoring two goals in three different matches throughout a scorching start at his new club.

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5. Guillermo May: Auckland FC

Uruguayan forward Guillermo May had a standout debut season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, tallying nine goals over 28 appearances.

During the club’s end-of-season awards night, May was honoured as Auckland FC’s Most Valuable Player, also claiming the club’s Golden Boot – a testament to the 27-year-old’s significant influence.

4. Marin Jakolis: Macarthur Bulls

Marin Jakolis made the switch to Macarthur following a season with Melbourne City, becoming a pivotal force for the Bulls.

While he netted just two goals for City during the 2023-24 season, Jakolis experienced a remarkable boost in form during his debut campaign at Macarthur, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. He became only the fourth player in Isuzu UTE A-League history to achieve double digits in both goals and assists in a single season.

Jakolis joins the ranks of Adelaide United’s great Craig Goodwin (15 goals, 10 assists – 2022-23), former Melbourne Victory winger Marco Rojas (12 goals, 11 assists – 2016-17), and ex-Melbourne City star Aaron Mooy (11 goals, 20 assists – 2015-16).

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3. Alex Paulsen: Auckland FC

After moving from Wellington Phoenix to Premier League club AFC Bournemouth in 2024, Alex Paulsen was loaned back to the Isuzu UTE A-League for the 2024-25 season – not with the Phoenix, but with their new rivals, Auckland FC.

Considered one of the league’s top goalkeepers, Paulsen elevated his performance at Auckland, culminating in him securing the Isuzu UTE A-League’s Goalkeeper of the Year accolade after keeping 13 clean sheets during Auckland’s victorious Premiership season.

2. Francis De Vries: Auckland FC

It’s no surprise that a fifth player from Auckland FC features in the top ten signings of the season, given the club’s remarkable inaugural campaign in the Isuzu UTE A-League. Out of his teammates, defender Francis De Vries has made the most significant impact, securing the top spot on this list.

Signing from semi-professional side Eastern Suburbs AFC, De Vries quickly emerged as a key player, leading the club with eight assists, which was the highest at Auckland. His skillful set-piece delivery from corners and free kicks also became a potent asset for coach Steve Corica’s squad.

De Vries earned a spot in the New Zealand international squad due to his outstanding performances, positioning himself well for a chance to compete for a place in the All Whites’ squad for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

1. Archie Goodwin: Adelaide United

Archie Goodwin had an outstanding first season at Adelaide United, finishing the campaign as the youngest player ever to win the Isuzu UTE A-League Golden Boot trophy.

The 20-year-old forward, who faced multiple injuries during his early years with Newcastle Jets, was a mainstay for the Reds throughout the 2024-25 season, starting 19 of 26 matches. His 1,578 minutes on the pitch far outpaced his total of 1,113 minutes from his four seasons at the Jets.

Having displayed his potential since his first season, Goodwin emerged as one of the league’s leading scorers, sharing the top scorer title with fellow young star Adrian Segecic, both netting 13 goals.

The future appears bright for Goodwin, especially with the return of club legend Craig Goodwin to Adelaide, providing promising opportunities for him to thrive alongside the Socceroo in the upcoming 2025-26 season.

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