Sydney FC signs son of former Socceroos starJustin ChadwickAAPFri, 25 July 2025 3:54PM
A day after signing Al Hassan Toure, Sydney FC have secured the services of emerging Socceroos midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica.
The Sky Blues have signed Okon-Engstler – the son of former Socceroos defender Paul Okon – on a three-year deal.
The 20-year-old joins from Portugal’s most successful club Benfica, who made the last 16 at the recent FIFA Club World Cup.
Okon-Engstler was called into Tony Popovic’s Socceroos squad for recent World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Although he is yet to make his international debut, he is considered a rising star and remains in the mix to feature for Australia at the 2026 World Cup.
Okon-Engstler progressed through Benfica’s 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 could make his first appearance for Sydney on July 29 when they take on Western United in the Australia Cup.
Toure, who started his career at Adelaide United, signed a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old returns to Australia from FC Tulsa in the USL Championship after stints in Turkey and France.
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