FC Groningen chase World Cup midfielder Paul okon-engstler

FC Groningen have announced a clear interest in 21‑year‑old Australian midfielder Paul Okon‑Engstler, who featured in all three World Cup matches for the Socceroos and supplied an assist in their 2‑0 win over Turkey, with a possible round‑of‑16 clash against Egypt on Friday.

Okon‑Engstler spent many years in the youth system of Portuguese giants Benfica but never broke into the first team. He moved to Australian A‑League side Sydney FC last season, where he impressed with his performances.

The Australian‑Italian earned a call‑up for the World Cup, featuring in all three group matches for the Socceroos. He recorded an assist in the 2‑0 victory over Turkey, and a potential round‑of‑16 clash against Egypt looms on Friday.

"FC Groningen has Okon‑Engstler on their radar for a while. The Groningers are not the only ones in the race for the talent’s signature. Whether it will actually become a transfer is therefore far from certain," writes the Dagblad van het Noorden.

If the midfielder joins, Groningen’s midfield would be bolstered. The club has already added Pelle Clement and Tygo Land to the squad, while Tika de Jonge, Jord Schreuders and Travis Hernes are also expected to see minutes.

Midfielder Stije Resink remains sidelined with a serious injury until the winter break, but the report suggests he will stay at the club for the foreseeable future. The transfer remains uncertain, leaving Groningen to monitor the situation.