Melbourne City have confirmed the sale of Socceroo Kai Trewin to sister club New York City FC for an undisclosed fee, with the MLS side announcing he has signed a deal until the end of the 2028-29 season with the option of an additional year.
Trewin departs Melbourne after an impressive 18-month stint, where he quickly established himself as a key member of the City team who went on to be crowned champions last term.
He was named Melbourne City’s Player of the Year last term and has earned himself a Socceroos debut and is very much in the mix to be named in Tony Popovic’s squad for the World Cup later this year.
He will link up with Socceroos teammate Aiden O’Neill in New York.
“Kai brings versatility to our group and solidifies himself as a defender and in the midfield. Kai is comfortable on the ball and reads the game well,” said NYCFC Sporting Director Todd Dunivant.
“The fact that Kai comes to us from a sister club is another proof-of-concept moment for City Football Group and is a big testament to the great work done within the group.”
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo added: “While it’s always disappointing to lose a key player at this stage of the season, a significant offer was made to both the Club and the player, which after strong consideration, we have accepted.
“Kai has had a huge impact since arriving at the Club, both through his performances on the pitch and the professionalism he brought to our group. “
At 24 years old, Trewin leaves Australia to head abroad with a remarkable 145 A-League appearances under his belt, having become a consistent starter in the competition with Brisbane Roar from his teenage years, after debuting under Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler at 18.
“My time in Melbourne has been really special, and being part of a Championship-winning season is something I’ll always be proud of,” Trewin said.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the Club for making me feel so welcome from day one, as well as the City fans for their incredible support over the past 18 months.
“Melbourne City will always hold a special place in my heart.”
It would appear City have already signed a replacement for the Socceroo, with Harrison Delbridge re-joining the club on a free transfer this week after five years in South Korea with Incheon United as part of a busy January window which has also seen Daniel Arzani, Ryan Teague and Marcus Younis arrive.
Trewin becomes the latest player to develop at the club, become a Socceroo and head abroad, joining a list that includes the likes of Jordan Bos, Connor Metcalfe and Marco Tilio – and he now joins a growing group of Australians playing in the MLS.
In this window alone, Western Sydney Wanderers defender Alex Bonetig has joined Portland Timbers, while Brisbane Roar teen Lucas Herrington arrived at Colorado Rapids.