Three-year deal fuels Sekine’s impact as Sky Blues eye Aus Cup

A three-year deal signed by Japanese forward Takahiro Sekine has already begun to shape Sydney FC’s season, with the 31‑year‑old netting his first goal in the 54th minute of a Sydney Super Cup clash against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, as the Sky Blues prepare for their Australia Cup tie.

Sekine arrives as a two‑time AFC Champions League Elite winner, having left Japanese powerhouse Urawa Red Diamonds to become one of the biggest names to join the Isuzu UTE A‑League during this off‑season. His experience is expected to bolster Sydney’s attacking options for the upcoming season.

"I think with Taka (Sekine), it’s trying to get him as fit as possible," Patrick Kisnorbo said ahead of the Australia Cup clash in Queensland. "Obviously he didn’t come in at the start, so look, he has transitioned great. There’s still a lot of work for him to do, but he’s settled into the squad really well." The coach added that maintaining his fitness will be crucial as the side pushes forward.

The Sky Blues will face Brisbane Roar in the Australia Cup Round of 16, with Kisnorbo confident the Japanese creator can add quality as the team seeks to progress further. He believes Sekine’s fitness will be a key factor in that encounter.

Sydney FC cruised through the Round of 32, dismantling Bayswater City 5‑1, a game highlighted by Tiago Quintal’s hat‑trick and contributions from youngsters Akol Akon, Mathias Macalister, Joe Lacey and Ethan Dyer. The comprehensive win set the tone for the club’s Cup campaign.

"I think they’ve all done well. They’ve all had to adapt really well," Kisnorbo added, noting many came from the youth set‑up last season and have now earned minutes in the senior side. He stressed that continued hard work will be essential for the squad’s development.

Sekine’s three‑year contract underscores the Isuzu UTE A‑League’s growing ability to attract established Asian talent, a trend reflected in recent transfer activity across the competition. Such signings aim to enhance the league’s competitiveness ahead of the 2026‑27 season.

The move adds another high‑profile TRANSFER to the league’s roster, reinforcing the ISUZU‑sponsored A‑LEAGUE’s ambition to raise its profile internationally. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market signals its intent to challenge for the title.