Sander Kartum

Sander Kartum joined the Wellington Phoenix during the January transfer window on loan from Hearts, signing as Hideki Ishige’s injury replacement.

The midfielder began his professional career in 2012 with Stjordals-Blink in his native Norway, spending eight years there across the Norwegian lower leagues.

He then moved to Kristiansund in the Norwegian top flight for two seasons before joining fellow Eliteserien side Brann. 

Standout performances earned him a transfer to Scottish Premiership side Hearts in 2025, where he made 17 appearances, before falling out of favour ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and being allowed to join the Nix on loan. 

2024-25 season

Sander Kartum joined Hearts in January 2025 and became a rotation option as the Edinburgh side finished seventh.  

He notably scored a spectacular brace in the Scottish Cup against Dundee United, including a long-range strike which won the club’s goal of the season award. 

“Playing games is the most important thing for a footballer and I’m really excited to start playing again.

“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.”