Brisbane Roar head coach Ruben Zadkovich revealed there has been “new contact from some pretty big football clubs” trying to sign teenage sensation Thomas Waddingham.
Waddingham is continuing to attract interest from abroad amid reports out of the UK claiming EFL Championship duo Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday were in “advanced” talks to sign the 19-year-old striker from Brisbane in January.
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Zadkovich responded to the speculation following last week’s 1-0 Isuzu UTE A-League loss to Western United, saying the Roar had received “a lot of offers” for Waddingham, who has also been linked with German giants Bayern Munich and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham previously.
Asked about Waddingham’s future once more ahead of Friday’s clash with two-time reigning champions Central Coast Mariners, Zadkovich told reporters: “There’s a lot going on with Tommy.
“There has been for a while now, and rightfully so because like I’ve kind of preached, he’s a fantastic talent and leading the line for an a league team at 19 years old. No mean feat. It’s not an easy task.
“There’s been some some new contact to the club from some pretty big football clubs, but those talks are still in the initial phases, so we’ll have to just have to wait and see.”
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Waddingham has scored four goals in nine matches for winless Roar this season after a breakout 2023-24 which saw the talented Australian bag seven goals in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
When asked if Waddingham could leave Brisbane on a free transfer amid speculation regarding some aspects of his Roar contract, Zadkovich hosed down the suggestion.
“I can tell you that Tommy isn’t going anywhere for free,” he said.
“Tommy is either a Brisbane Roar player and a big part of the future of this club, or he’s moving on to a bigger opportunity for himself and a good business deal for our club.”
