Steve Corica and Giancarlo Italiano. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Analysis - Ding-a-ling. Hear that? That's the sound of the door opening on the mid-season A-League transfer period with Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC both perusing the shelves.
The window is open from Thursday, 16 January until Wednesday, 12 February - so there's plenty of time for New Zealand's professional clubs to make the right moves.
So who should stay, who should go and who should arrive?
Wellington Phoenix
What do they need?
Giancarlo 'Chiefy' Italiano has made it clear what he is looking for this window - he wants a new playmaker to help create the chances for Kosta Barbarouses to finally join the A-League 100 club.
The Phoenix also have the bonus of being able to bring in an import player after club stalwart David Ball left the club this week.
Who could they target?
With that visa slot now open, the Phoenix can cast their net far and wide to bring in a new number 10 but a few constraints still apply which helps narrow down their target market.
Transfer fees are unlikely, so players recently out of contract will be of interest. There's plenty of names to pick from. Ante Coric was once dubbed the 'next Luka Modric' but the ex-Roma wonderkid is currently available for nothing. Paraguayan attacker Brian Montenegro, who has a similar profile to former 'Nix favourite Ulises Davila, is also a free agent. But the list of options is potentially inexhaustible, too much so to catalogue here.
Ante Coric, Croatia v France 2016. Photo: Vladimir Darida/Photosport
Previous January windows have seen the Phoenix pull in loanees from Central America (Youstin Salas and Gael Sandoval) and that is likely to be another avenue they will pursue while don't be surprised if Chiefy continues his recent propensity to delve into the Japanese market.
Who could go?
The Phoenix have already let a couple of players leave the club - including club legend Ball. Oskar van Hattum has also moved on, joining Sligo Rovers in Ireland.
Other than that, there are no glaring opportunities to move a player on and Chiefy is confident all will stay.
There have been rumours surrounding Scott Wootton and a move to Japan. Those, thankfully, remain just chatter.
Auckland FC
What do they need?
Firepower. For all of Auckland's excellence in their debut campaign they remain goal-shy. Rightly, Steve Corica has built a strong defensive foundation to build a new team upon but an extra dimension in attack will certainly be on the wish list.
Meanwhile, injuries to Dan Hall and Scott Galloway will surely have Corica contemplating defensive input.
Who could they target?
Unlike Wellington, Auckland lack the luxury of an import slot available, with all five positions currently taken. That narrows the market down to just New Zealand and Australian players.
All aboard the Waine train? In terms of adding that extra dimension in attack, Ben Waine would be a popular choice, bringing some pace and power to Guillermo May's endeavour and guile in attack. The ex-Phoenix striker is currently struggling for minutes in England and would likely relish the chance of regular playing time.In a less eye-catching move Otherwise, six-cap All White Myer Bevan found goalscoring from with Auckland City last season and could be another potential success story from the National League.
Ben Waine of New Zealand celebrates his goal against the USA, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Bill Tuiloma is a player who finds himself in a similar position to Waine at his club Charlotte FC in the States. He spent more time with the reserve side last season and could be the perfect foil for Hall, while also adding depth at full-back and holding midfield.
Marlee Francois has already arrived at the club.
Who could go?
Joey Champness has already left the club without making a first-team appearance as he goes to pursue new adventures both in and away from football.
It's hard to see others leaving just yet although, with the National League regional phases getting under way in March, it won't be a surprise if a fringe player or two gets off contract in time to be eligible for New Zealand's domestic league.
What if they both sign nobody?
It's very well doing some match-making but this isn't Football Manager and the inner machinations of the transfer dealings at both clubs is far more complex.
For the Phoenix, failure to jump on that import slot would be an error, so it will be interesting to see who director of football Shaun Gill and his team help to lure to New Zealand's capital.
As for Auckland, they will likely only move if they have the chance to bring in someone who can make a long-term impact. If not, Corica and recruitment chief Terry McFlynn will be happy to stick with what they have got.
