All the Auckland FC centre-back transfer solutions we could think of

Analysis - Auckland City went five points clear at the top of the A-League table at the weekend, but at a price, with centre-back Nando Pijnaker limping out of the game. It leaves Tommy Smith as the club's only out-and-out senior centre-back, with Dan Hall still absent with a broken ankle.

Steve Corica has admitted a new recruit is unlikely, despite previously looking at options, but with the A-League transfer window open until February 12 there's still plenty of time to get another pair of legs in the building.

Auckland are bound by their visa slot position, meaning they can only sign a Kiwi or an Aussie. So, to help out, here is every realistic option we could possibly think of, including how suitable and how likely their signing might be.

Bill Tuiloma - Charlotte FC

Surely a player on the long-list for Auckland recruits anyway, the North Shore native and 41-cap All White struggled for game time at the end of the 2024 MLS season at Charlotte FC. Would involve a transfer or loan fee but with one year left on his deal that figure may not be prohibitive.

Suitability rating: 10/10

Likelihood rating: 6/10

Josh Laws - Free agent

Left Swiss side Grasshopper in October, following a period of injury and playing with the reserves.

A former Wellington Phoenix defender, so not averse to playing in New Zealand, the Scottish-born centre-back will only have question marks around his fitness considering his four months of inactivity.

Suitability rating: 7/10

Likelihood rating: 6/10

Tom Beadling - Free agent

Another Australian born outside the Land Down Under. The former Sunderland player negotiated a release from his deal at Western Sydney Wanderers at the start of December.

Can also play in midfield, adding cover to Louis Verstraete, Felipe Gallegos and Jake Brimmer's positions.

Suitability rating: 9/10

Likelihood rating: 6/10

Nikko Boxall - Free agent

Two years ago, the 32-year-old answered the call to help out a shorn Wellington Phoenix defence. Could he do the same in 2025 but for his hometown?

Potentially, but the recent Eastern Suburbs player is focused on a post-playing career in property which may rule out a move.

His brother, Michael, looks equally unattainable - given he signed a new deal with Minnesota United in September.

Suitability rating:7/10

Likelihood rating: 4/10

Kyle Adams - Louisville City

The one-cap All White would be a match-ready option having been a recent regular as captain of US-based Louisville City - with whom he is now in pre-season.

However, he signed a new deal with the USL Championship side in December, so don't hold your breath.

Suitability rating: 7/10

Likelihood rating: 3/10

Aaron Calver - Daejon Hana Citizen

A former favourite of Steve Corica's at Sydney FC, the 29-year-old is currently at South Korean outfit Daejon Hana Citizen. Plenty of Aussies have been downing tools to return down under from the East Asian nation but an ongoing injury issue might rule this one out.

Suitability rating: 8/10

Likelihood rating: 3/10

Jacob Tratt - Oakleigh Cannons

The 30-year-old has already played for five A-League clubs, including the Wellington Phoenix, so why not add a sixth. Currently playing non-professionally in the Australian NPL, he won an A-League title under Corica for Sydney in 2019.

Suitability rating: 7/10

Likelihood rating: 7/10

Nathan Grimaldi - St George

The 23-year-old was released by Newcastle Jets last week in order to return to NPL football with St George. However, he was a youth player at Sydney during Corica's tenure, so could Auckland tempt him into a stint in New Zealand?

Suitability rating: 5/10

Likelihood rating: 4/10

Marley Leuluai - Burnley

The 18-year-old son of former NRL star Kylie Leuluai is currently in the youth team at English Championship side Burnley, after a number of years in the esteemed Manchester City academy.

Capable at centre-back or holding midfield, the teenager might be the perfect pick-up as cover, with the future in mind.

Suitability rating: 6/10

Likelihood rating: 4/10

George Stanger - Ayr United

Sticking with the nepo-baby theme, the son of Scottish rugby union international Tony Stanger was part of New Zealand's impressive backline, alongside Pijnaker, that shackled a spring-heeled Erling Haaland at the 2019 U20 World Cup.

Now a regular with Scottish Championship side Ayr United, a move to Tāmaki Makaurau might improve his chances of a first All Whites cap.

Suitability rating: 7/10

Likelihood rating: 5/10

Finn Linder - Vancouver Whitecaps

Canadian-born New Zealand youth international would represent another spritely option if a deal with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps could be hashed out.

Suitability rating: 5/10

Likelihood rating: 6/10

Adam Mitchell - Auckland City

Much like Cam Howieson, Mitchell is an ex-pro who dropped out of the full-time game to establish himself as an Auckland City great six years ago. But, at 28, the former Red Star Belgrade and Bolton Wanderers defender would surely relish one last punt at the big time?

Suitability rating: 7/10

Likelihood rating: 8/10

Aaryan Raj - Eastern Suburbs

Another defender who has come through the New Zealand youth ranks, the Indian-born centre-back is a former teammate of current Black Knights stars Francis De Vries and Luis Toomey at Eastern Suburbs. Another potential signing for the future that could provide some immediate cover.

Suitability rating: 6/10

Likelihood rating: 8/10

Dino Botica - Birkenhead United

Liam Gillion, De Vries and Howieson have shown there is value in New Zealand's National League and former New Zealand U-20 defender Botica might have been the domestic scene's best centre-back last term.

A lack of professional experience could act against him but he's certainly worth a look to provide extra cover.

Suitability rating: 8/10

Likelihood rating: 8/10