Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay confirmed star defender Hayden Matthews is poised to complete an overseas transfer amid links with Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Matthews has been tipped to join the growing Australian contingent at EFL Championship outfit Portsmouth, who this week completed the signing of Thomas Waddingham from Brisbane Roar having previously recruited Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Kusini Yengi (Western Sydney Wanderers).
Amid mounting speculation regarding the 20-year-old academy graduate and Subway Socceroos sensation, Talay provided a transfer update after revealing he will not be involved in Friday night’s Big Blue showdown against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
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“No. Hayden’s currently overseas,” Talay replied when asked if Matthews would be in the squad to face rivals Victory.
“Pending certain things getting ticked, I think the club’s come to an agreement with another club.
“At this present time, we won’t have Hayden available for this game.”
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It has been a rapid rise for Matthews, who only made his A-Leagues debut for Sydney in 2023-24.
The youngster earned his first Socceroos cap against Bahrain in November.
Matthews has started 12 Isuzu UTE A-League matches for the Sky Blues this season, and 18 across all competitions as Sydney prepare for the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16.
Talay added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for a player that’s come through our system, all the way through the academy, into the first team, to getting regular football, to getting a call-up into the Socceroos and now possibly have the opportunity to play overseas.
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“It’s a great opportunity. We’re very proud as a club through the academy for what the academy produces.
“We will be watching from far away and hope he has all the success in the world.”
Matthews’ imminent departure does leave Sydney short in defence, with centre-back Alexander Popovic’s long-term future yet to be confirmed.
Popovic joined Sydney on loan from Korean K1 League outfit until the end of January.
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“We’re very close,” said Talay, who also revealed there has been interest in Sydney midfielder Max Burgess. “There’s discussions happening with Popa, so we’re very close with that. And at the same time, we’re still looking to bring in another central defender as well.”
“Obviously we want to bring someone that’s going to add value to the team,” he continued. “Not just bring in a number that gives us a number of training we want to bring someone that adds value to the team and makes us take a step forward.”
