BNZ National League
Auckland City sign Lorenzo Insigne from free transfer
4 months ago - 8/8/2025 2:03 PM GMT-3
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Auckland – August 8, 2025
In one of the biggest transfer surprises in Oceania football, Auckland City FC have officially announced the signing of Italian forward Lorenzo Insigne, who joins the club on a free transfer after leaving Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
The former Napoli captain, 34, had spent the past few weeks weighing up offers from clubs in Serie A, the Saudi Pro League, and other overseas leagues. In the end, he chose to head Down Under, attracted by Auckland City’s growing ambitions and the opportunity for a fresh footballing challenge.
> “I didn’t come here to retire – I came here to win,” Insigne said during his unveiling. “Auckland City have a serious project, a great coach, and a football culture that hooked me from the very first conversation.”
Record-breaking salary
According to sources close to the deal, Insigne has signed a two-year contract worth an estimated NZ$2.4 million per season (around USD $1.45m), making him the highest-paid player in Auckland City’s history.
The club’s financial muscle has grown significantly thanks to revenue from their historic 2025 FIFA Club World Cup run, as well as fresh backing from private investors – putting their budget on par with top-flight latinos clubs, though still far from the resources of elite European or Middle Eastern sides.
Medical and role in the team
Insigne passed his medical earlier this week and will join full training immediately. The coaching staff see him as the first-choice left winger but also a potential creative playmaker in the No. 10 role – a position he often filled during his final months at Toronto.
His arrival is not only a huge football statement but also a marketing win for Auckland City, who are aiming to extend their domestic dominance and become a genuine force internationally.
Insigne could make his debut as early as next weekend against Birkenhead United, with ticket sales for the match already surging since the announcement.
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Auckland – August 8, 2025
In one of the biggest transfer surprises in Oceania football, Auckland City FC have officially announced the signing of Italian forward Lorenzo Insigne, who joins the club on a free transfer after leaving Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
The former Napoli captain, 34, had spent the past few weeks weighing up offers from clubs in Serie A, the Saudi Pro League, and other overseas leagues. In the end, he chose to head Down Under, attracted by Auckland City’s growing ambitions and the opportunity for a fresh footballing challenge.
> “I didn’t come here to retire – I came here to win,” Insigne said during his unveiling. “Auckland City have a serious project, a great coach, and a football culture that hooked me from the very first conversation.”
Record-breaking salary
According to sources close to the deal, Insigne has signed a two-year contract worth an estimated NZ$2.4 million per season (around USD $1.45m), making him the highest-paid player in Auckland City’s history.
The club’s financial muscle has grown significantly thanks to revenue from their historic 2025 FIFA Club World Cup run, as well as fresh backing from private investors – putting their budget on par with top-flight latinos clubs, though still far from the resources of elite European or Middle Eastern sides.
Medical and role in the team
Insigne passed his medical earlier this week and will join full training immediately. The coaching staff see him as the first-choice left winger but also a potential creative playmaker in the No. 10 role – a position he often filled during his final months at Toronto.
His arrival is not only a huge football statement but also a marketing win for Auckland City, who are aiming to extend their domestic dominance and become a genuine force internationally.
Insigne could make his debut as early as next weekend against Birkenhead United, with ticket sales for the match already surging since the announcement.
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