Sydney FC have signed Socceroos midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler from Portuguese powerhouse and FIFA Club World Cup last 16 qualifiers Benfica, on a three-year permanent transfer.
The 20-year-old joins from Portugal’s most successful club where he progressed through their academy and featured in the Portuguese second division throughout last season.
“I’m really excited to be joining Sydney FC and to start this next chapter of my career back in Australia,” Okon-Engstler said.
“Sydney FC is a fantastic, forward-thinking football club with a progressive football philosophy and strategy which really drew me in.
“It’s a special moment for me and my family, I’m coming here to win trophies and fast-track my career and I can’t wait to play in front of the Sky Blue Members“
Okon-Engstler has already earned a call-up to the Socceroos’ 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia, which sealed Australia’s qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and is a future star of Australian football.
The son of former Socceroos captain and current Socceroos Assistant Coach Paul Okon, he brings a strong footballing foundation, having honed his craft within elite European systems — first at Club Brugge’s academy before progressing to Benfica’s renowned development program.
“He’s a fantastic young talent with a huge future ahead of him,” said Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay.
“Paul has excellent positional awareness, a real calmness in possession, and can break up play while also building from the back. He’s come through top systems, and we believe he’s ready to take the next step in his development here in Sydney.
“His potential is enormous, and we’re proud to play a role in his future both at club level and hopefully on the international stage.”
Okon-Engstler will wear the number 24 shirt, with Members set to get their first look at him in Sky Blue during the Hahn Australia Cup clash against Western United on July 29.
Transfer terms between clubs remain disclosed.
