Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed defender Alex Bonetig has joined MLS side Portland Timbers for a club record transfer fee.
The 23-year-old joined the Wanderers back in 2016 and leaves Wanderland having established himself as one of the Isuzu UTE A-League’s best defenders whilst helping the Wanderers return to the Finals Series in season 2024-25.
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Starting off representing the club’s Under 13s side, Bonetig eventually went on to become a mainstay in the Wanderers’ first team squad, playing and starting 51 games since the beginning of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
“Alex’s story is everything we want the Western Sydney Wanderers to represent,” said Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson
“From joining our Academy as a young boy to becoming a key figure in our Isuzu UTE A-League side, Alex has grown up in the Red & Black and earned every step in his journey.
“This move is a significant moment for Alex and our club. A club record transfer fee reflects not only Alex’s quality and character, but the strength of our pathway and work being done across our Academy and football departments.
He added: “While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to a player so deeply connected to our club, we couldn’t be prouder to see Alex take this next step and test himself on the international stage. He will always be part of the Wanderers family.”
Isuzu UTE A-League head coach Alen Stajcic said Bonetig’s rise has been built on hard work and consistency.
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“Alex’s development over the past few seasons has been outstanding,” said Stajcic.
“He earned his spot through professionalism, resilience and a real hunger to improve, and last season he was a huge part of what we were able to achieve.
“His partnership at the back was one of the strongest defensive combinations in the league. Alex brought composure, intelligence and leadership to our defensive line, and his growth as a player was clear for everyone to see.
“While we’ll miss his presence on and off the pitch, opportunities like this are what players work towards. The move is thoroughly deserved and we’re excited to see him continue his career in Portland.”
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Bonetig will now link up with former Wellington Phoenix defender Finn Surman, who has established himself as a mainstay of the Portland Timbers defence.
“I came to this club as a 12-year-old and I’m leaving now as a 23-year-old. So you could say I came in as a kid and now I’m leaving as an adult,” said Bonetig, when reflecting on his journey.
“Looking back on the last 10 years, did I think it would go the way it did? Probably not.
“There were times where I thought I was going to quit football after a few injuries and stuff like that. But looking back, I’m glad I didn’t.
“I’m glad I had the people around me – the people inside and outside the club that kept me going.
“My family, the coaches I’ve had and the support systems I’ve had have kept me going and without them this wouldn’t be happening.
“The Wanderers are my second family. It has been a privilege to wear the Wanderers badge, so I don’t take it for granted. It means everything to me and I’ll remember my time here forever.
“There’s a lot of people I want to thank. My parents and my brother, they are the reason I’m playing football. Then the people inside the club, all the many coaches I’ve had and the lifelong friends I’ve made along the way. I’m just so grateful.
“I’m thankful for how the members and fans have supported me. Going out every game and hearing them cheer with their chants motivates me beyond what they probably think.
“It’s memories of the Derby and moments like that where they push you over the edge and make you fight that, not extra 1%, but that extra 10% more.
“We’re going through a tough time at the moment, but the Wanderers fans, the club have been through many tough times.
“So, it’s important I think to remember that the tough times don’t last forever. I think things will get better and believe. Just believe. That’s all I can say.”
Next up for the Wanderers is an away clash against high-flying Melbourne Victory on Saturday night in Round 12 of the Isuzu UTE A-Leauge.
