Kai Trewin Set to Join New York City FC from Melbourne City

Kai Trewin, a defender for Melbourne City and a hopeful for the World Cup, is reportedly on the verge of completing a permanent transfer to New York City FC, according to sources at ESPN.

Both Melbourne City and New York City FC are part of the City Football Group’s collection of clubs. In the 2025 season, New York finished fifth in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS) and reached the conference finals of the MLS Cup, where they were ultimately defeated by Inter Miami, the eventual champions.

Confirmation of Trewin’s transfer is anticipated in the coming days. The Canberra native is set to become the second Australian player on New York’s roster, joining midfielder Aiden O’Neill, who transferred from Belgian club Standard Liège last April following his own stint with Melbourne City.

Reports indicate that Melbourne City will receive a transfer fee exceeding a seven-figure sum in Australian dollars for Trewin. After previously being included in multiple squads, he made his full international debut for Australia in friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia last November. Trewin is now looking to enhance his prospects for World Cup selection this summer.

The match against Colombia, in which Trewin started for an Australia team affected by illness, took place at Citi Field in Queens, one of two home venues for New York City FC as they await the completion of Etihad Park in Willets Point.

Initially developed as a central defender under coach Tony Popovic with the national team, Trewin has been utilized as a holding midfielder by Melbourne City manager Aurelio Vidmar this season. He has appeared in 19 matches, all as a starter, across the A-League and the Asian Champions League Elite. He was a key player for the squad that clinched the A-League title in the 2024-25 season.

The 24-year-old’s departure is part of a busy transfer window for Melbourne City, which has also secured the signings of Ryan Teague, Daniel Arzani, and Marcus Younis on loan, in addition to re-signing former FC Cincinnati defender Harrison Delbridge on a short-term contract.

Melbourne City has chosen not to comment on Trewin’s impending transfer.