Wellington Phoenix have confirmed Kiwi talent Milly Clegg has returned to the club, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League campaign.
The 20-year-old forward heads back to New Zealand joins the Nix following a stint in Sweden with Vittsjö GIK.
Prior to her spell in the Swedish Damallsvenskan Clegg also played for Racing Louisville in the US National Women’s Soccer League as well as Halifax Tides in Canada.
Clegg was Wellington’s leading goalscorer as a teenager during the 2022/23 Ninja A-League season before departing to join Western Sydney Wanderers.
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She has since gone on to earn 23 senior caps for New Zealand, scoring four goals, and her return to Wellington comes with a major year ahead for the Football Ferns with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman believes regular football in Wellington can help Clegg continue her development.
“I’m delighted to bring another Football Fern home, someone who can play in front of friends and family,” Priestman said.
“Heading into a big World Cup year, for someone of Milly’s quality to feature week-in, week-out, is fantastic.
“It’s fantastic to bring someone who is a true number nine, and adding her to the squad is great for us.”
Priestman also believes Clegg’s experience overseas will add another dimension to the Phoenix attack.
“At the very young age of 20, Milly’s accumulated a lot of experience playing professionally around the world.
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“To bring that and bolster the squad, looking at the forwards that we’ve got, we have positional depth with players being able to play across positions.
“It adds a few strings to our bow in how we attack.”
Clegg said the decision to return home became increasingly straightforward.
“I was talking with my agent, and then both parties started chatting,” she said.
“The more I spoke with my agent, my family, Bev, it all just made sense and was a really exciting opportunity.
“I’ve just got my feet on the ground and looking to have a good season here. I want to help the team in any way I can and impact them positively.
She continued: “I was really young when I was here last time, I’ve grown up a lot.
“I’ve lived overseas, lived alone, I’ve matured a lot outside of the field and added a lot to my game on the field through playing in different countries.
“I’ve become a lot better of a person and a player, and I’m excited to show that.”
Clegg will wear the number eight shirt for the Phoenix and becomes the 19th women’s player contracted for the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season.
The Phoenix will open their campaign against Melbourne City at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
