Despite claims from the UK that Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, two EFL Championship teams, were in “advanced” talks to recruit the 19-year-old striker from Brisbane in January, Waddingham is still drawing interest from overseas.
Following last week’s 1-0 Isuzu UTE A-League loss to Western United, Zadkovich addressed the rumors by stating that the Roar had received “a lot of offers” for Waddingham, who has also been connected to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and German powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Before Friday’s matchup with the two-time defending champions Central Coast Mariners, Zadkovich was asked about Waddingham’s future once more. He responded, “There’s a lot going on with Tommy.”
There has been for some time, and with good reason—as I’ve sort of preached, he’s a great talent who, at the age of 19, is leading the line for a professional team. No little accomplishment. It is not a simple task.
Waddingham has scored four goals in nine matches for winless Roar this season after a breakout 2023-24 which saw the talented Australian bag seven goals in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
When asked if Waddingham could leave Brisbane on a free transfer amid speculation regarding some aspects of his Roar contract, Zadkovich hosed down the suggestion.
“I can tell you that Tommy isn’t going anywhere for free,” he said.
