The Wellington Phoenix have added some extra quality to the men’s attack at the start of the Isuzu UTE A-League transfer window.
The Phoenix have completed the signing of Sander Kartum on loan from Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian FC for the remainder of the season.
The Norwegian attacking midfielder is a replacement for Japanese playmaker Hideki Ishige, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in round three.
Kartum, 30, boasts more than 100 games of top league experience in Europe, primarily in the Eliteserien in his homeland, and has been a regular goal scorer and provider.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says Kartum will bring something to the squad that they’ve probably lacked over the past year and a half.
“When I heard that Sander was available I was quite excited about potentially bringing him in,” Italiano said.
“I reached out to a couple of people I know in Scotland to get a character reference and they were really positive, so I started pursuing it and seeing if it could happen.
“I’m really happy that the club have allowed me to find the resources to bring Sander in and make it happen so quickly.
“He’s an out and out 10 and a really skilful link player that can dribble and score.
“Sander’s also very hard working and can cover the ground quite well.
“He bolsters the squad, gives us some depth and make us a little bit different.”
Sander Kartum will join the squad once he obtains his work visa, with the club hopeful he could make his debut against the Jets in Newcastle next Friday night.
“I can’t wait to join the Phoenix,” Kartum said. “I’m just hoping the visa is approved quickly so I can get on a plane and come over.
“I haven’t played as much as I thought I would at Hearts, especially since the summer, so when this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
“Playing games is the most important thing for a footballer and I’m really excited to start playing again.
“I just can’t wait to come over and see how Wellington and the A-League is, and just meet the players, the coaching staff and everyone at the club.”
Sander spoke to a couple of Hearts teammates, including former Phoenix midfielder Cam Devlin, before committing to the move.
“I spoke to Cammy about how the club is and how the city is, and he said I’m going to love it there.
“It was a big decision for me to make but when he spoke so highly of the club and the city I knew this was a perfect opportunity for me.
“I spoke to [former Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder] Calem Nieuewnhof too.
“He also said that the A-League is good and it will suit me to play there and I’m going to love it, so I’m really excited to get there.”
Their encouragement is part of the reason why he believes he has the game to thrive in the A-League.
“I’ve watched clips and highlights of the league over the past few years and I feel like the style of play suits me, especially with how the Phoenix play, pressing high and creating chances.
“I’m an attacking midfielder that creates chances and if I can get some goals and assists that’ll be good too.
“I will always work hard for the team, and through that try to create chances in the attacking half.”
Sander Kartum will wear the no. 16 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix, which was most recently worn by club legend Louis Fenton in 2022.
The remainder of Hideki Ishige’s contract has been mutually terminated, although he will remain in Wellington to continue his rehab.
Ishige played 29 A-League matches for the Phoenix, scoring three goals. He featured in all 26 round-robin games last season and led the team with eight assists.
The Wellington Phoenix thanks Hideki for his contribution to the club and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch.
