Auckland FC complete A-Leagues squad with South American attacker from Colombian powerhouse

A lot can happen in 20 years. In the case of the A-Leagues, just about everything has. The 20th season of the Isuzu UTE A-League kicks off on October 18. The Ninja A-League returns November 1.

Auckland FC have signed Neyder Moreno from Colombian giants Atletico Nacional for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Moreno’s arrival completes Auckland’s inaugural A-Leagues squad ahead of their historic Round 1 opener against Brisbane Roar at Go Media Stadium on Saturday, October 19.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder recently played for Colombia’s most successful club Atletico Nacional, where he enjoyed three spells at the 17-time Primera A champions.

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Moreno has amassed 200 professional appearances throughout his career to date, scoring 31 goals and winning Copa Colombia (2023) and Superliga (2021) titles via Independiente Santa Fe.

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“Coming to Auckland is a big opportunity for me, it is a chance to experience a new country, a new team and a new league. New Zealand is a very popular country with Colombians,” said Moreno.  

“The team and the club have so far made me feel very welcome. I’m eager to get to know the team better and start playing some football.” 

Moreno is Auckland’s third South American signing, following the arrival of Uruguayan striker Guillermo May and Chilean midfielder Luis Felipe Gallegos. 

For all the latest transfer news involving your Isuzu UTE A-League club, make sure to stay across our dedicated Transfer Centre

“This is a great team that is hungry to achieve and I’m pleased to have Neyder become a part of it,” said Corica.  

“Neyder is a very fast, technical player that loves to dribble one-v-one against defenders. He is going to cause a lot of problems for the opposition and I’m keen to see how he links up with the likes of May, Max and the rest of the team. 

“It’s great to finally have the full squad together. We really feel like a team now and there is a lot of excitement ahead of the game against the Roar.” 

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Auckland CEO Nick Becker added: “You’ve seen the signings, you’ve brought the hype. Now it’s time for Auckland to get behind the team and get to the Go Media Stadium for our game against the Brisbane Roar.

“Our goal is to sell the stadium out and I’m pleased to say we’re getting very close. We and our supporters group have a lot planned for that first game so now is not the time to sit on the fence when it comes to tickets.

“You only get one first game, one chance to say ‘I was there’, so get in quick.”