Wellington Phoenix’s Ben Old Signs with Ligue 1 Club Saint-Etienne
In a landmark transfer for Wellington Phoenix, star midfielder Ben Old has secured a move to Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne. The French club, known for its rich history and passionate fanbase, finalized the deal for an undisclosed fee, tying Old to a contract until 2028 with an option for an additional season.
Old, who joined Wellington’s academy in 2018 as a teenager, expressed his excitement about the move, citing Saint-Etienne’s stature as the second most successful club in French football history and the allure of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
“This move means so much to me,” remarked Old. “All of us young players aspire to go to Europe and see how far we can go in the game. I honestly didn’t think it would be happening this early in my career but when Saint-Etienne came to my agent, and I was able to speak to them for the first time, I was instantly hooked.”
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder’s departure marks the end of a six-year journey with Wellington Phoenix, highlighted by a breakout 2023-24 season where he played a pivotal role in the team’s strong campaign. Old featured prominently in all 29 Isuzu UTE A-League matches, contributing five goals and four assists as Wellington narrowly missed out on their first Grand Final appearance.
His stellar performances earned him recognition, including a spot in the A-Leagues All Stars Men’s selection, where he played a key role in a memorable 8-0 victory over Premier League giants Newcastle United.
Saint-Etienne’s move for Old underscores their commitment to bolstering their squad ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 season, with the club aiming to build on their storied legacy and compete at the highest levels of European football.
For fans of the Isuzu UTE A-League and followers of Wellington Phoenix, Old’s transfer represents a significant milestone, highlighting the league’s ability to nurture top-tier talent capable of making an impact on the global stage.
