Football: Sapreet Singh leaves Wellington Phoenix for club in Portugal

Sarpreet Singh in action for the All Whites against Egypt in a Group G football match at the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver, 21June 2026. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport — Sarpreet Singh playing for the All Whites against Egypt at the World Cup.

All Whites midfielder Sarpreet Singh won’t be playing for the Wellington Phoenix next season.

Singh made his professional debut for the Phoenix and played 40 matches before signing with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich almost seven years ago.

He has also played for clubs in Portugal and Serbia, and returned to Wellington on a short-term loan in February but was limited to just two matches because of a knee injury.

He recovered to make the All Whites squad for the World Cup and played in their three pool matches against Iran, Egypt and Belgium.

His loan period with the Phoenix has ended. The club said today it tabled him another offer, but he signed with Portuguese second-tier club SC Farense instead.

“I was so stoked to return home, but unfortunately it didn’t play out the way I wanted it to for the club and for myself,” Singh said in a statement.

“But that’s life and that’s football. I’m happy to be injury-free now and back playing and I wish the club all the best for the upcoming season.”

Singh is one of three players the Phoenix have farewelled this week, with fellow midfielders Ramy Najjarine and Sander Kartum also leaving.

Najjarine played in all but two of the Phoenix’s A-League games last season, scoring two goals with three assists.

He is heading to Qanah FC in the Egyptian Premier League.

Kartum played in 12 matches, on loan from Heart of Midlothian FC in January.

He scored on debut against Newcastle Jets and the match-winning goal in their 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in April.

He has returned to Hearts in Edinburgh.

The Phoenix said today they have 16 men’s players contracted for the 2026-27 A-League season, with more signings to made shortly.