Young centre back Isaac Hughes has signed a three-year contract extension with the Wellington Phoenix, committing to the club till the end of the 2027-28 A-League.
The New Zealand age group international made 11 appearances for the Phoenix last season after graduating from the club’s academy, and was voted the Isuzu UTE A-League player of the month for February.
Hughes (20) said: “It’s good to get a long-term deal sorted. It means I have more time guaranteed to live my dream.
“I wanted to re-sign with the Nix because of the staff we have and the culture we have.”
Hughes has his sights set on becoming a regular in the Phoenix starting XI this season, with a spot opening up following Finn Surman’s move to the Portland Timbers.
“I want to start every game and build a partnership with whoever is next to me.
“The club has a clear philosophy at the minute of developing and selling young players and that’s one of the reasons why I signed a long-term deal with the club, to give me that time.
“If I do as well as I can, I can move on into Europe and, hopefully, it can be a win-win.”
And he has lofty targets for the team in his second season as a professional.
“I think everyone’s main goal is the same; just win the league.
“We haven’t won a trophy yet as a club and that’s the main objective. I think we’ve got a really strong team and a really good opportunity.”
A pair of Manchester United legends have inspired Isaac Hughes’ position, playing style, and even his squad number.
“Nemanja Vidic was always my favourite player growing up, and I’ve now got his proper number, 15.
“I want to be like Vidic, hence why I took his number, but I also want to be like Rio Ferdinand.
“In my head I think ‘Rio on the ball and Vidic off the ball’, show that quality on the ball and be as aggressive as I can off the ball and win everything.”
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says Hughes has all of the attributes he needs from a central defender.
“Hughesy is strong, a good communicator, and works very hard,” Italiano said.
“He’s always got something to prove, always wants to get better, and he embraces learning.
“He’s always applying himself to be a better professional than the previous day. For me, there’s only one way you can go if you keep going like that.”
“I want to build around players like him. I see Hughesy as the long-term future of the club.”
Isaac Hughes is the second player to commit to the Phoenix through to 2028, joining fullback Matt Sheridan who signed his own three-year contract extension earlier this month.
This story was first published on September 20, 2024.
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