The A-League Men returns for the 2026/27 season on October 16. Plenty of player moves have taken place, with several clubs turning to familiar faces, while others have recruited internationals and players looking to establish themselves in a new league.
Ahead of the new season, which fans can watch live on SPOTV NOW, here is one signing to watch at each club.
Adelaide United: Jacob Brazete
Adelaide have had a quieter recruitment window than several rivals, with their additions focused on emerging talent. Among them is Jacob Brazete, who joins from Brisbane Roar on a three-year deal with an option for another season.
The young winger was attracted by the Reds’ record of developing players. Comfortable in several attacking positions, he will look to establish himself as a regular contributor in Adelaide’s forward line.
Auckland FC: Lachlan Bayliss
Lachlan Bayliss joins Auckland after helping Newcastle Jets win the Australia Cup and the 2025/26 Premiership, with his performances earning selection in the PFA Team of the Season.
The New Zealand midfielder represented his country at the Paris Olympics and was selected for the 2026 World Cup. Comfortable in central midfield, behind the striker or out wide, he brings versatility alongside his recent success.
Brisbane Roar: Nam Tae-hee
Brisbane have added South Korean attacking midfielder Nam Tae-hee, whose career has included spells in France, Qatar and Japan.
He arrives from Jeju SK with more than 50 international appearances and a Qatar Player of the Year award from 2017. That experience gives the Roar an established option to help create chances as they rebuild their attack.
Central Coast Mariners: John-Kymani Gordon
John-Kymani Gordon joins the Mariners after coming through Crystal Palace’s academy and gaining senior experience in England’s lower leagues.
The 23-year-old had loan spells with Carlisle United, Cambridge United and AFC Wimbledon before moving permanently to Colchester United and later playing for Rochdale. Able to operate across the front line, he now takes on his first challenge in Australian football.
Macarthur FC: Ryan Fraser
Ryan Fraser moves to Macarthur after scoring four goals in 12 appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers last season.
The former Scotland winger made 181 Premier League appearances across spells with Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Southampton. His time with the Wanderers also means he arrives with experience of the A-League, giving the Bulls a recruit who has already shown he can contribute in the competition.
Melbourne City: Awer Mabil
Awer Mabil returns to Australia after more than a decade in Europe, signing a three-year deal with Melbourne City from Spain’s CD Castellón.
Having won trophies in Denmark and the Czech Republic, the former Adelaide United winger’s arrival adds another experienced international to City’s squad.
Melbourne Victory: Tom Lockyer
Wales international Tom Lockyer joins Melbourne Victory with experience of captaining Luton Town in the Premier League.
The centre-back’s signing gives Victory an established figure at the back as they build their defence under new coach Giovanni Savarese.
Newcastle Jets: Joe Lolley
Joe Lolley joins Newcastle on a two-year deal after scoring 36 goals in 112 appearances across four seasons with Sydney FC.
The English winger previously played for Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest, but his A-League record provides the clearest indication of what the Jets are getting. He adds a proven attacking option as Newcastle prepare to defend their Premiership and compete in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Perth Glory: Calem Nieuwenhof
Calem Nieuwenhof returns to the A-League on a season-long loan from Scottish Premiership club Hearts, where he made nearly 50 appearances.
The midfielder earned PFA Team of the Season selection with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2022/23 before moving overseas. His return gives Perth a player familiar with the competition, now with Scottish top-flight experience behind him.
Sydney FC: Takahiro Sekine
Takahiro Sekine joins Sydney on a three-year deal after making more than 400 appearances for Urawa Red Diamonds, contributing 40 goals and 53 assists.
The Japanese winger helped Urawa win two AFC Champions League titles and also captained the club. His experience is matched by his versatility, with coach Patrick Kisnorbo able to use him on either wing, in midfield or at full-back.
Wellington Phoenix: Bryce Duke
Wellington completed a late move for Bryce Duke from San Diego FC before the September registration deadline.
The American attacking midfielder brings more than 120 MLS appearances from spells with Los Angeles FC, Inter Miami and CF Montréal. Coach Chris Greenacre has identified his passing and creativity as qualities that can help the Phoenix break down defences.
Western Sydney Wanderers: Nicolas Milanovic
Nicolas Milanovic returns to Western Sydney after a season with Aberdeen, rejoining the club where he won the Johnny Warren Medal in 2024/25.
He also claimed the Wanderers’ Golden Boot that season before moving to Scotland. His previous success gives supporters a clear reference for his return, with Milanovic looking to regain the form that made him one of the league’s leading attackers.
