Official Market: 2026 World Cup Sensation Heads to Paraguay

It's official. Tim Payne, the New Zealand defender, is set to depart Wellington Phoenix and join one of South America's biggest clubs, Club Olimpia. The New Zealand club has accepted an undisclosed offer for the player, who is preparing for what he describes as a transformative move.

The transfer to the 48-time Paraguayan champions is contingent only on the completion of medical examinations, which will take place after the World Cup. This move culminates a frantic last three weeks for the experienced defender, who has become a global sensation due to a viral social media campaign, spearheaded by an Argentine influencer.

Payne leaves Wellington Phoenix as the seventh-most capped player in the club's history, having made 149 A-League appearances since his arrival in Wellington in 2019. "This was not an easy decision," Payne admitted. "To the fans, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career, through the highs and lows, thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be here representing my country at the World Cup – the pinnacle of the sport."

The player views the move as a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth. "I've always strived to be the best footballer I can be. The chance to test myself at the highest level of South American football, in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, is one of the most incredible opportunities I could wish for as a professional," he stated.

Payne also highlighted the stature of his new club and the challenge that awaits him. "Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, passionate fans, and ambitions befitting their stature, and I'm eager to rise to that challenge."

The move also carries significant family meaning. "For our family, this is something very special. My son, growing up speaking Spanish like his mother, the immersion in her culture and her family's world, is what makes this so much more than just a football move. Opportunities like this don't come around often, and we're not going to waste it," he explained, before concluding: "I'm grateful for everything Wellington Phoenix has given me and excited for the challenge ahead, but right now, my focus is on representing my country at the World Cup!"