A-League transfer news: Melb City teen signs pro deal

Melbourne City academy graduate Ryan Kalms has signed his first professional contract with the Isuzu UTE A-League champions.

Kalms’ maiden pro deal caps a six-year journey to this point, with the highly-rated 19-year-old defender having first joined City’s academy in 2019.

The teenager, who spent five years travelling from Bendigo to Melbourne for every training session and game before relocating in 2024 to complete his VCE and continue his football development, played a key role in City’s senior academy earning promotion to NPLM VIC for the first time this season.

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Kalms was a standout under Italian icon Alessandro Diamanti in VPL1 in 2025, starring in the promotion play-offs with four goals after playing further forward, after making his senior debut in July’s Australia Cup Round-of-32 tie.

Since then, the Australia youth international has been on the bench for City’s opening two AFC Champions League Elite fixtures against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe.

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“Signing my first professional contract with Melbourne City is a really special moment for me and my family,” said Kalms.

“The academy has been such an important part of my football journey, and I’m grateful to all of my coaches, teammates and staff who’ve supported me along the way.

“While I’m proud of this achievement, I know the hard work is only just beginning, and I’ll be doing everything I can to keep improving and contribute to the first team this season.”

Kalms is the latest City academy product to sign a professional contract, after Beckham Baker, Akeem Gerald and Matthew Baker.

City have also recruited Japanese winger Takeshi Kanamori, Aussie young gun Liam Bonetig, Kosovo international Elbasan Rashani and Joeys defender Besian Kutleshi.

City’s senior academy manager Simon Zappia said: “Throughout his time in the academy, Ryan has been a role model to his peers.

“The dedication shown by him and his family has been outstanding, and it’s a great success story of what can be achieved with the right support and mindset.

“He’s developed into a leader on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to see him take this next step with the first team.”

City are set to open their Championship defence away to Western Sydney Wanderers on October 18.

Director of football Michael Petrillo added: “Ryan has spent six years in our academy system, and he’s developed into exactly the type of player and person we want representing Melbourne City.

“He showed his quality on debut in the Australia Cup and his ability to step up in big moments has been clear, whether in defence or in the playoff run with the youth team.