Central Coast Mariners have announced the sale of star defender Jacob Farrell to EFL Championship side Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
Farrell has been lured to the newly promoted side after consistently starring for Isuzu UTE A-League champions the Mariners, where the born-and-bred Central Coast local first arrived aged 11.
The 21-year-old played a key role in a historic treble-winning campaign as Central Coast won the Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership-Championship double, and the AFC Cup, having also helped end a 10-year Championship drought the season prior.
Farrell departs the Mariners with four trophies and seven goals in 92 appearances.
“Growing up on the Central Coast, it has meant so much to me to play for this amazing club. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Mariners who has helped me during my time from the academy right through to now,” said Farrell, who made his debut in 2021.
“To be able to leave with two Championships including the Treble last season, these are memories that I will never forget and to be able to achieve them with my home club is something that I am extremely proud of.
“To the incredible fans who have supported me the whole time I have been a Mariner, thank you for everything. I wish everyone in the Mariners Family the very best for the future.”
Farrell was influential in Central Coast’s drought-ending Championship triumph in 2022-23 – an unforgettable 6-1 rout of Melbourne City.
He came off the bench and earned two penalties as the Mariners stunned the reigning premiers at CommBank Stadium.
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This season, Farrell soared to new heights and played in both the AFC Cup and Isuzu UTE A-League deciders, while he scored two goals during the league campaign.
Farrell becomes the third A-Leagues graduate to link up with Portsmouth, joining ex-Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers forward Kusini Yengi at Fratton Park.
Former Mariners teammate Sammy Silvera has also arrived on loan from EFL Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
Farrell is also the latest Mariners star to earn a big move abroad, following in the footsteps of Silvera, Nectar Triantis (Sunderland), Max Balard (NAC Breda), Garang Kuol (Newcastle United) and Anthony Pavlesic (Bayern Munich).
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“Although we are disappointed to be losing someone of Jacob’s influence and quality, we are pleased that he is getting this opportunity overseas in a league like the Championship and at a club with the ambition of Portsmouth,” said Mariners head coach Mark Jackson.
“Faz has been a big part of this team for many years now. His season last year was a real standout one for him on a personal note, his performances were of a high level, and he continued to grow and be part of a history making team.
“Jacob will be sorely missed but we are happy that our players are getting opportunities overseas in strong leagues including the Championship, and that we are able to receive a fee in return. We wish him nothing but the best for the future.”
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