Reigning Premiers Newcastle Jets have signed one of Australia’s most talked about young talents, recruiting 17-year-old forward Oscar Gonzalez from APIA Leichhardt on a two-year deal.
The 17-year-old arrives after an impressive rise through the ranks with the NPL NSW giants, having established himself as one of the competition’s standout young attacking talents.
Gonzalez first caught the eye during the 2025 Australian Championship, scoring on debut for APIA Leichhardt at just 16 years of age against Bayswater City, with the reigning Premiers and Australia Cup holders beating multiple clubs to secure his signature.
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The young striker has carried that form into the current campaign, scoring 12 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.
“I’m excited for this new chapter in my career.,” said Gonzalez after inking his first professional contract in the A-Leagues.
“I’m honoured to be joining the Newcastle Jets, and I can’t wait to get started. Let’s go!”
The move to recruit Gonzalez comes after the Jets announced the signing of former Sydney FC winger Joe Lolley, who also put pen-to-paper on a two year deal.
“Oscar is an exciting young player who has a natural instinct for goal, mixed with unbelievable work ethic and massive engine,” said Jets boss Mark Milligan.
“He has all the attributes to be a fantastic footballer.”
Alongside the acquisition of Lolley, Gonzalez’s arrival will no doubt help fill the void left by the departure of Young Football of the Year Eli Adams, who is headed for Japan, with Newcastle confirming they have received an undisclosed fee for his services.
The Jets have now signed five players this off-season with Melbourne Victory striker Nikos Vergos, ex-Melbourne City midfielder Zane Schreiber and former Sydney FC forward Patrick Wood all heading to the Hunter.
Milligan’s side will no doubt be in the market for plenty more reinforcements ahead of a season that will see them compete in both the Isuzu UTE A-League and AFC Champions League Elite, especially given the likes of Adams, Clayton Taylor, Lachie Rose and Lachlan Bayliss have all departed.
**Main Picture Credit NPL NSW**
