Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler says he’s more motivated than ever to take his career to the next level following his impressive World Cup campaign with the Socceroos.
The 21-year-old is back in the Harbour City after shining for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
One of four Isuzu UTE A-League players included in Head Coach Tony Popovic’s squad, Okon-Engstler played in three of the Socceroos’ four matches at the tournament, including a starring role in the 2-0 win over Türkiye.
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As a result of that eye-catching display in Australia’s opening game of the tournament Okon-Engstler has now been heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga, with football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano even reporting a deal to take the 21-year-old to FC Koln is close to completion.
But before any potential move is finalised the young midfielder has been back at Sydney FC’s Sky Park training facility as the club begins it’s preparations for their Australia Cup Round of 32 clash with Bayswater City.
“It just makes me even more grateful that I was able to experience this, because it’s not guaranteed,” Okon-Engstler said, when speaking via Sydney FC.
“It’s never guaranteed. You don’t know what’s going to happen if it’s your first or last World Cup.
“So, yeah, it gives me so much motivation to just go back to (the) club and just to keep improving every day, and to try to play at the highest level every week.
“I think it motivates you so much more.
“I still haven’t processed it fully. I think it’ll take a long time to process, but yeah, it was honestly the experience of my life, something that I’ll never forget.
“To be able to represent my country on the highest stage at a World Cup, I think, yeah, there’s no better feeling.”
Sydney FC have been busy re-shaping their squad ahead of the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign under Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo.
Academy product Jake Hollman has returned to the club on a three-year deal following a stint in the UK with EFL side Walsall whilst the club has also signed Gabriel Popovic from Perth Glory.
