Nix sign keeper to pro contract, keep Nagasawa
- May 28
- 2 min read
The Wellington Phoenix have signed teenager Eamon McCarron to his first pro contract as well as extended the contract of midfielde Kazuki Nagasawa.
The Japanese midfielder was the one ever-present member of the side during the 2025-26 A-League, starting all 26 of the Phoenix’s matches, and he’s now played more than 50 times for the club.
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Nagasawa scored three goals last season, including the match-winner against Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch last month, and registered four assists.
Meanwhile McCarron has become the first player to commit to the Wellington Phoenix through until the end of the 2028-29 A-League.
The 1.99m tall goalkeeper has put pen to paper on his first pro contract, signing a three year deal with the Phoenix.
McCarron, 18, made his senior debut for the Nix in the Australia Cup last year, while still only 17, before going on to play six A-League matches and recording clean sheets in road wins over Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC in January.
He did that while being an uncontracted member of the first team squad, having started the season as Wellington’s fourth choice ‘keeper.
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre says it’s a proud moment for McCarron and his family.
“Eamonn thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” Greenacre said. “He’s been fantastic since he’s been at the club and has progressed through the academy ranks while playing in the Central League.
“He showed everybody his qualities when he stepped into the A-League and proved that he can play at this level.
“Eamonn now has the chance to build on that experience and I’m sure he’ll have a bright future with us.”
A proud Wellingtonian, Eamonn McCarron only started playing football at Raroa Intermediate having played rugby until he was 12.
He says it means a lot to him to sign with his hometown club.
“My family are a rugby family and when I was younger I was dreaming of playing for the Lions or Hurricanes, but to sign a pro deal with a club where I grew up and live is very special and I’m very grateful,” McCarron said.
“I don’t have any regrets that I made the choice to start playing football and stop playing r
