Wellington Phoenix have lost All Whites goalkeeper Oli Sail to A-League rivals Perth Glory for next season.
Perth confirm they have signed Sail for three years, as the Phoenix vice-captain looks offshore to his future, reportedly shunning offers in Europe.
"We have been targeting Oli for some time and I’m delighted we have secured his services for the next three seasons," said Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich. "Character is very important in these types of builds and Oli has the right ingredients.
"He is clearly one of the best 'keepers in the league, is at the peak of his powers and his presence on the grass is massive."
With the Phoenix currently sitting inside the playoff cut, Sail, 27, has kept three clean sheets and made the second-most saves in the competition this season. He made his A-League debut in 2018 and has six All Whites caps to his resume, including the World Cup qualifying defeat to Costa Rica last year.
Perth sit one off the bottom of the A-League table, seven points out of the playoffs with seven games remaining and riding a six-game winless streak.
The Phoenix were resigned to losing Sail, and midfielders Clayton Lewis and Steven Ugarkovic at the end of the current season.
"They are key members of our squad and have all contributed to where the team is now; in finals contention with eight rounds to play," said Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill.
"Oli, Clay and Stevie will be hard to replace next season, but they're great professionals and I know they're committed to helping lead the Wellington Phoenix to this year's A-League finals.
"Negotiations continue with other off-contract players and fans can rest assured that the core of the men's squad will be sticking around for the 2023-24 A-League season and beyond."
