Western Sydney Wanderers confirm signing of A-League stalwart Kosta Barbarouses

An A-League great has opted to return to Australia from New Zealand to join Western Sydney Wanderers.

A-League stalwart Kosta Barbarouses is excited by the “enticing football project” that awaits him at Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Wanderers have confirmed that 35-year-old Barbarouses had joined the club for the 2025-26 A-League season.

The evergreen Kiwi attacker has scored 103 goals in 350 A-League appearances in a career that has included stints at Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

His third spell at the Phoenix ended last month after he rejected the chance to extend his deal.

Instead, he has opted to link with the Wanderers in his bid to cement a spot in New Zealand’s squad for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Former Phoenix star Kosta Barbarouses has joined the Wanderers. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“It’s a very enticing football project,” Barbarouses said.

“The way the club, the players, the staff, all sort of came together last year, it was something I saw and thought I’d love to be a part of that.

“Wanderers are a very, entertaining attacking team that looks like they’re very much together and they’ve got a good bond, and the fans, of course, are right behind them.

“I want to come here and be successful and obviously to bring my experience, goals, and presence, and to help everyone around me.

“Ultimately, I want to help the team be successful and win trophies.

“There’s no point hiding behind any words, we want to win things. That’s why we’re all here so that’s always the goal.”

Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic said the experience of the four-time A-League championship winner would be a “great asset” to Western Sydney’s squad.

The addition of Barbarouses will also help replenish the club’s attacking stocks following the departures of key pair Nicolas Milanovic (Aberdeen) and Zac Sapsford (Dundee United).

“Kosta is a professional in every sense,” Stajcic said.

“He’s driven, humble, and committed to the team above all else. He embodies the character we want in our dressing room and what it means to represent Western Sydney.”