Another Wellington Phoenix and All Whites player is set for a major overseas move.
Highly-rated defender Finn Surman has played his last game for the capital club as he prepares for a switch to the United States.
The Herald understands that Surman has agreed to a deal with Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers, though some formalities remain to be completed.
It’s believed that Surman was tracked by several European teams but opted for the USA.
This move continues the rapid rise of the 20-year-old, who was one of the standouts in the Phoenix’s historic 2023-2024 campaign and made his national senior debut last November.
Surman’s transfer follows the recent moves of former clubmates Alex Paulsen (AFC Bournemouth) and Ben Old (Saint Etienne), marking a remarkable period for the Wellington club. While Surman will be difficult to replace, the Phoenix have great faith in their academy system, and his move should secure another significant transfer fee.
It also bodes well for the All Whites, with another young prospect advancing in his career. While the MLS may not compare to the top European leagues, it still presents a formidable challenge, especially for a defender, with talents like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke, and Lorenzo Insigne in the 29-team competition.
Portland, currently managed by former Manchester United defender Phil Neville, joined the MLS in 2009. They won their first title in 2015 and reached the finals in 2018 and 2021. Senior All White Bill Tuiloma played more than 100 games for the Timbers between 2017 and 2022 before being traded to Charlotte FC.
For Surman, this move will cap off a whirlwind 12 months. He barely played for the Phoenix in the 2022-2023 season, making just one start and four appearances overall. It was a tough period for the academy product, who returned to the Central League with the reserves.
“If you are not playing or you can’t make squads, you question if you have the ability or the talent that some people say you have,” Surman reflected earlier this year. “If you are not able to show it, you might forget yourself. If all you are doing is training and getting a few minutes in the reserves here and there, it’s hard to tell where you are at. So I think doubts crept in a little bit.”
Surman performed exceptionally well at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup last June, captaining the Junior All Whites in all four matches in Argentina. He then became a vital player under new Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano, playing every single minute last season as the Phoenix finished in the top two for the first time, achieving several defensive milestones in the process.
That form has not gone unnoticed. Surman has always impressed with his maturity and resilience, along with his ability to handle each new challenge. This was particularly evident in the recently completed A-League season. The Phoenix often ceded a lot of possession and territory, especially on the road, which placed extra responsibility on their back four. Surman stood out as an anchor in the defense alongside Scott Wootton.
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