Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo says his side remain active in the transfer market amid reports of a new striker arriving and interest in Manchester United defender James Overy.
The Sky Blues have so far recruited three players this off-season with academy graduate Jake Holman re-joining the club on a three-year deal following a stint with English side Walsall whilst striker Gabriel Popovic has also joined from fellow A-League outfit Perth Glory.
Arguably the most eye-catching piece of business though was the signing of two-time AFC Champions League winner Takahiro Sekine, with the Japanese attacker putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal in the Harbour City.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Isuzu UTE A-League 2026-27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
In an exclusive chat with aleagues.com.au, Kisnorbo revealed the club is still very much active in the transfer market, and that a new forward could be arriving very soon.
“Yeah, I think there’s things to happen, to be honest,” Kisnorbo said, when speaking on Wednesday morning.
“Obviously it’s just the timing of when or if (someone) comes in, but there’s room I think in our squad for players to come in.”
Manchester United’s young Australian defender James Overy has been linked with a loan move to the Sky Blues ahead of the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season, and that name was put to Kisnorbo.
“It has been mentioned,” smiled Kisnorbo, when asked about the reports. “I can’t give too much away, but again, there are spots in our team, and it’s only for people that will improve it.”
Arguably an area of concern for the Sky Blues heading into the new A-Leagues season is in attack.
With striker Patrick Wood departing in the off-season and Spanish import Victor Campuzano now set to be sidelined for a large chunk of the campaign due to an ACL injury, Sydney FC are light on numbers in attack.
aleagues.com.au understands the club are deep in negotiations to bring a new forward into the club, with Kisnorbo admitting that adding some attacking depth to his side is now a top priority.
“Yeah, look, unfortunately Victor suffered that ACL injury, which is devastating because he’s a great guy, great player.
“But there is a gap. Potentially, there could be some movement around that space, but we’ll have to just wait and see because obviously things take a bit of time to happen.
“But it’s an area that you know we’re looking at.”
Transfers aside, the primary focus for Kisnorbo and his side is now an Australia Cup quarter-final clash with SD Raiders next weekend.
The Sky Blues booked their spot in the quarter-finals after defeating fellow Isuzu UTE A-League side Brisbane Roar 4-2 last weekend, with Sydney FC now slated to face NPL NSW 2 side SD Raiders following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Macarthur Bulls on Tuesday evening.
Like many A-Leagues Head Coaches this off-season Kisnorbo has blooded plenty of young players in the 2026 Australia Cup alongside plenty run, and whilst that may present it’s challenges at times, the Sydney FC boss believes there are plenty of positives to take from that.
“There’s pros and cons to it. I think it’s great you get to play games, but also it’s a bit different because your squads aren’t really sort of done yet.
“We know there’s been talks about this salary cap and all that. So you’re trying to figure those things out, figure your squad out.
“Look at the A-League teams playing with a lot of younger players now because they don’t know exactly about their squads.
“But also it’s a great test for the young kids to play against men, you know players that have played a lot of NPL football.
“So look again, there’s good things, but also there’s some things that you actually can’t control, and also you’re trying to prepare for a league (campaign) as well.”
Sydney FC kick off the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season with a mouthwatering match against fierce rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday, October 16 at Allianz Stadium, with tickets officially now on sale for the game.
