Staj’s Game Plan: Why the Wanderers Are Set to Shine in 2026

Following a significant leap forward in their inaugural season under Alen Stajcic, the Western Sydney Wanderers are set to reshape their squad as they set their sights on a championship in the 2025-26 season.

In their first season, Alen Stajcic rekindled the vibrant atmosphere at Wanderland.

Now, as they move into the second season, his focus shifts toward securing silverware.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, yet the ultimate goals are still just out of reach. We must intensify our efforts to further develop the team and foster the fanbase to achieve the results we aspire to,” stated the Wanderers manager as he extended his contract for another two years in the red and black.

After finishing fourth and successfully returning finals football to the club, the Wanderers faced a setback in the Elimination Final and have since undergone significant changes to their roster.

This season, as the top scorers in the Isuzu UTE A-League, they’ve had to cope with losing 46% of their impressive 59-goal tally following the exits of notable players like Johnny Warren Medallist Nicolas Milanovic (Aberdeen), Zac Sapsford (Dundee United), and Marcus Antonsson (IFK Varnamo).

With the additions of Dean Pelekanos (Sabah FC), Alex Badolato (Newcastle Jets), Jeong Tae-wook (return from loan), Jack Clisby, and Taiga Harper, a new-look squad is gearing up for the 2025-26 campaign.

Stajcic is already addressing the gaps in the squad, injecting invaluable Isuzu UTE A-League experience into the team.

The likes of Kosta Barbarouses (350 matches), Steven Ugarkovic (245 matches), Phillip Cancar (55 matches), and Alou Kuol (83 matches) collectively bring an impressive 733 matches of experience—an essential asset when pursuing a title.

According to Transfermarkt, only Perth Glory (80.37) possesses a higher average of appearances per player in their 2025-26 squad than the Wanderers (75.11).

As demonstrated by teams like Adelaide United and Melbourne City this season, maintaining a solid balance of youthful talent and seasoned veterans is crucial in the quest for glory in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

The Wanderers now feature experienced players like Barbarouses (35), Lawrence Thomas (33), Josh Brillante (32), Ugarkovic (30), Brandon Borrello (29), Alex Gersbach (28), Bozhidar Kraev (28), and possibly World Cup winner Juan Mata, should he decide to stay on for another year.

However, they also have exciting young talents who could bring potential transfer value, including Marcus Younis (20, back from loan at PSV Eindhoven), Dylan Scicluna (21), Aydan Hammond (21), Oscar Priestman (22), Anthony Pantazopoulos (22), and Alex Bonetig (22).

Last season, Borrello and Gabriel Cleur contributed significantly to creative play alongside Milanovic, amassing 17 assists combined. The pressing question now is who will be the primary goal scorer.

Stajcic will be hopeful that a vital part of the solution has already arrived.

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Despite being 35, Barbarouses still managed to finish equal sixth in the Golden Boot last season, playing for a Wellington Phoenix team that created the fewest scoring opportunities in the league. If the Wanderers can provide him with the service he needs, he could flourish even further.

Kuol, a treble winner with the Mariners, has yet to rediscover the prolific scoring form that led to his move to Bundesliga side Stuttgart before returning to the Coast.

At 23, his most productive season in the Isuzu UTE A-League remains his breakout 2020-21 campaign, where he netted seven goals and contributed two assists—under Stajcic.

Clearly, the Wanderers gaffer is confident he can unlock the striker’s potential, especially considering that Kuol only scored four times in 25 appearances last season during the Mariners’ title defence.

“Alou’s a perfect fit for what we’re creating here,” said Stajcic upon Kuol’s arrival. “He’s hardworking, eager to develop, and brings genuine quality to the attacking third. We believe this is the ideal environment for him to realise his full potential.”

In a sudden turn, the Wanderers now boast impressive depth.

The signing of Isuzu UTE A-League champion Ugarkovic adds resilience to the midfield, while Cancar aims to reinforce a defence that conceded the third-most goals last season. The return of Marcus Younis is, in some respects, a direct replacement for Milanovic, provided he adapts quickly to senior football.

While there is still ample time left in the transfer window, the Wanderers are already making moves that indicate they could once again be a formidable force this season.