Wellington Phoenix have re-signed new goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi for another Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The Phoenix have extended Oluwayemi’s contract through until the end of the 2025-26 campaign after the 23-year-old impressed in his first two A-Leagues appearances.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Oluwayemi joined Wellington on a one-year deal at the start of the season and the English-Nigerian has helped the 2023-24 Semi-Finalists to an unbeaten beginning to the campaign heading into Saturday’s blockbuster derby against Auckland FC.
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“We see huge potential upside with Josh and want to invest in him along with Alby Kelly-Heald and Dublin Boon, the other two ‘keepers we have here,” said Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
“In the short time that Josh has been part of the group he’s shown progression every week.
“He’s very comfortable with the ball at his feet, is a good shot stopper and he’s really dominant in his area.
“I think he has the potential to get a move back overseas. The idea is for him to do well and build around him.
“It also gives a little bit more time for Alby to find his feet and allow him to develop as well.”
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Oluwayemi kept a clean sheet in last week’s 2-0 win at Perth Glory, with the Phoenix collecting four points from their opening two fixtures.
“I’m excited to sign on for an extra year and I look forward to playing in front of the fans and meeting more people in the city,” Oluwayemi said.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the coach and the backroom staff have seen something in me and shown faith in me.
“I hope to repay the club, and the people involved in it.”
He added: “There are some good bits and some bits that I want to work at. I’m always working with Ruben Parker (goalkeeper coach) finding bits to plug away at and improve as I want to get as close to perfection as possible.
“I feel like my performances have been steady and I feel like there’s still more to give and more to show.
“It’ll come over time and people will be able to see what I’m about after a longer collection of games.”
