Isuzu UTE A-League premiers Auckland FC have signed Jake Girdwood-Reich on loan from MLS club St Louis City.
Girdwood-Reich returns to the A-Leagues on a season-long loan deal until June 2026, and reunites with two-time Championship-winning head coach Steve Corica.
The pair worked together at Sydney FC, Corica gave Girdwood-Reich his debut in 2022-23 before the 21-year-old became the Sky Blues’ first million-dollar-plus transfer following a club-record switch to St Louis last year.
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“When Corica calls, you answer,” said Girdwood-Reich. “Steve has supported me a lot during my career, giving me a chance and trusting me when I was still a teenager.
“Saying that, I realise at 21 I still have a lot to learn, so being back in the A-League and back with Steve at Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”
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Girdwood-Reich played 45 games for Sydney FC, winning the Australia Cup.
Following his switch to the United States at the end of 2023-24, the versatile Australian has featured 23 times for St Louis City.
Girdwood-Reich joins Lachlan Brook, Oli Sail and Sam Cosgrove as Auckland’s new signings heading into 2025-26, with the Black Knights set to meet Melbourne Victory in Round 1. Scott Morris joined the club in the off-season but he was forced to retire following medical advice.
“We have brough Jake in to play at centre-back, but he can also play as a number six or at right-back. He’s a good passer of the ball; quick, strong and will set a great example to the other young players,” said Corica.
“With Tommy’s departure, we needed cover at the back. Jake’s arrival will provide that and strengthen the team. I am looking forward to working with him again.”
Corica added: “Jake’s is the last signing we’ll make in this window. The team are looking strong, ready to compete and most importantly, ready to win.”
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