The Wellington Phoenix have moved quickly to extend Kazuki Nagasawa’s contract for a further season.
The Japanese midfielder was the one ever-present member of the men’s side during the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League, starting all 26 of the Phoenix’s matches, and he’s now played more than 50 times for the club.
Nagasawa scored three goals last season, including the match-winner against Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch last month, and registered four assists.
The Nix were unbeaten in the seven games he scored or assisted in with five wins and two draws.
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre is delighted to have secured Nagasawa’s signature.
“I’ve been really impressed with Kazu since I came into the role,” Greenacre said. “I knew watching from afar that he was a technically gifted player but I really got to appreciate his qualities when I worked with him on a daily basis.
“Kazu is really comfortable in tight spaces in between the lines and he likes to play forward, which is what I want from my attacking midfielders.
“His performance against Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch shows the quality he does have and he arguably was the best player on the pitch.
“Kazu’s a top professional, he takes his work seriously and statistically he’s in the top 10 attacking midfielders in the league.
“And off the field Kazu’s a popular character within the group. The players are pretty fond of him.
“I’m looking forward to working with him again next season.”
Kazuki Nagasawa didn’t hesitate to re-sign with the Phoenix as he feels he has unfinished business at the club.
“Wellington has become a special place for me and my family and I enjoy the lifestyle and community in the city.
“We have had a great experience in New Zealand and we want to give back.
“I want to contribute to the Phoenix and New Zealand football in any way I can and that’s why I wanted to return.”
Nagasawa concedes he struggled to adjust to the A-League in his first season but enjoyed his new role in year two which included playing as a more advanced midfielder under Greenacre.
“I’ve really been enjoying playing as an offensive midfielder. Not six, but eight or 10.
“But I feel I need to score more goals and contribute more assists if I’m to play in that position.
“I’m still hungry to improve myself and I still believe I can perform better than last season.
“I also want to contribute to better team results as well.”
He believes he has an important role to play off the pitch too.
“I’m very honoured to be in the Phoenix leadership group, be vice-captain and to have worn the captain’s armband.
“I’m probably going to be the oldest player in the squad again next season and I want to help the younger players so they have confidence on the pitch.
“I always want to support the other players, regardless of age, and have a good relationship with my teammates because on the pitch you have to help and support each other to be successful.
“We are getting there and I feel last season we were much more connected, which is very important for a team.
“If we have a good relationship and a supportive system this club could achieve something special next season.”
Kazuki Nagasawa is the 14th men’s player contracted for the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League, with further squad announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
