Another Wellington Phoenix product moves overseas; Surman joins Major League Soccer

The Portland Timbers have secured the signing of 20-year-old defender Finn Surman, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Surman, who joins the Timbers from Wellington Phoenix, will be under contract through the 2026 season, with a club option for 2027. He will join the team following his participation in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he is set to represent New Zealand as part of the All Whites’ 18-player squad.

Surman’s move to Portland follows a successful three-season stint with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Men, the premier football competition in Australia and New Zealand. During his time with the Phoenix, Surman made 51 appearances, scoring one goal and amassing 4,066 minutes of playing time. Notably, he was a key player in the 2023-24 campaign, starting all 27 matches and contributing significantly in both legs of the semifinals in the A-League Men playoff series. His game-winning goal on April 12, 2024, ensured Wellington Phoenix finished in the top two for the first time in club history.

Surman’s recent international success includes helping New Zealand clinch the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu, where they defeated the hosts 3-0 in the grand final. Surman also scored his first international goal in the semifinal against Tahiti, contributing to a 5-0 victory.

Like his former Wellington Phoenix teammates Alex Paulsen and Ben Old, who moved to AFC Bournemouth and AS Saint-Étienne respectively, Surman is taking a significant step in his career by joining an overseas club. His transition to Portland Timbers underscores his development and potential as a defender.

“The Portland Timbers have signed defender Finn Surman to a contract through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027, the club announced today. Surman is set to join the Timbers after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he will represent New Zealand as part of the All Whites’ 18-player squad,” stated Portland Timbers on their official website.

Surman’s consistent performances over the recent seasons have been a highlight of his career. In the 2023-24 A-League season, he started all 29 of Wellington Phoenix’s matches, playing all but the final nine minutes of extra time in the semi-final second leg against Melbourne Victory at Sky Stadium.

As he prepares to embark on this new chapter in Major League Soccer, Surman’s journey from Wellington Phoenix to Portland Timbers reflects his development into a promising young defender with a bright future ahead.