Subway Socceroos midfielder Aiden O'Neill has completed a deadline day transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit New York City FC from Belgian side Standard Liège for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old was acquired prior to the close of the League’s Primary Transfer Window on April 23 and will join the Club through the end of the 2028 season following the receipt of his P-1 Visa.
He is the latest Aussie to ply his trade in the United States top division, following the likes of Kye Rowles (DC United) and Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC).
O'Neill joined Les Rouches in June 2023 after three years at Melbourne City, and during his two seasons in Belgium scored two goals in 54 matches. At the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, he was also named club captain.
The Australian international has accumulated 19 caps for his country and has become an important cog in the middle of the park since his senior debut against Ecuador in March 2023.
Speaking about his decision to call the Big Apple home for the next three years, O'Neill said in a club statement: "I’m extremely excited to join New York City FC and to be back within City Football Group for this next chapter of my career.
"This is an ambitious Club representing one of the greatest cities in the world, and I’m looking forward to making my mark. I’d describe myself as a hardworking, box-to-box midfielder who’s all about the collective — always ready to give absolutely everything on-and-off the pitch.
"I’ve heard incredible things about the organization and the city, and I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone. I’m especially looking forward to playing in front of the passionate New York City fanbase and giving them a reason to cheer as we compete for trophies."
Sporting Director David Lee added: "We are excited to welcome Aiden to New York City. Aiden is a smart and powerful midfielder with a high work rate, bringing valuable European experience and leadership from his time as captain of Standard Liège.
"Aiden’s experience at Melbourne City and within City Football Group has also given him a strong understanding of our system, playing style, and the high standards we set at our club."
New York City, who currently lie in 10th place in the Eastern Conference after nine matches, travel north of the border to face Toronto FC on Sunday morning at 4:30am (AEST).
