Sydney FC sensation and Subway Socceroos defender Hayden Matthews has completed a record-breaking transfer to EFL Championship side Portsmouth.
Matthews has swapped Sydney for Portsmouth in a multi-million dollar, club-record fee – with the deal marking the third-highest transfer fee in Isuzu UTE A-League history and sets a new benchmark as the highest valuation ever for an A-League Men defender.
The 20-year-old academy graduate joins Portsmouth’s Australian revolution, with A-Leagues products Thomas Waddingham, Jacob Farrell and Kusini Yengi also calling Fratton Park home in England.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
“I’m incredibly excited to join Portsmouth FC and take the next step in my career,” he said.
“Sydney FC has been like a second family to me. They’ve given me the opportunity to chase my dream of becoming a professional footballer and playing in Europe, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Matthews has called Sydney home for the past eight years, having joined the Sky Blues’ academy as a 12-year-old.
It has been a breakout year for the Australia international, who backed up his senior Sydney debut with his maiden Socceroos cap in November.
Matthews leaves Sydney having made 35 senior appearances across the Isuzu-UTE A-League, AFC Champions League Two and Australia Cup.
STAY ACROSS ALL THE DEALS INVOLVING YOUR CLUB WITH OUR MID-SEASON TRANSFER CENTRE


“Sydney FC has the best youth development pathway in Australian football,” said Matthews.
“The support I’ve received, especially during tough times like recovering from two broken legs, has been incredible.
“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the coaching staff to my teammates, and of course, the amazing Sky Blues Members and fans. I’ll always be a fan myself, and I hope to come back and play here again one day.”
R16 TALKING POINTS: Socceroo’s advice for A-Leagues gun amid ‘hot’ transfer speculation
Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay said: “Hayden has been a credit to Sydney FC both on and off the field.
“This move is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.
“His departure also opens up opportunities for other players within our squad, and we hope to announce a replacement or two for Hayden very soon.”
Talay added: “Hayden’s journey from Academy graduate to senior team regular and now to the Championship shows the strength of our development system.
“We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.”