Wootton has been linked to a move to Cerezo Osaka, a top-tier Japanese team, where Arthur Papas, a former Newcastle Jets manager, has been named head coach of the J1 League team.
After joining the Phoenix in 2022, the 33-year-old has been a vital member of the team, and during Wellington’s historic run to the Semi-Finals last season, he was named an A-Leagues All Star.
Asked about reports of a prospective switch to Japan ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Adelaide United, Italiano told reporters: “We haven’t had any offers. For me it’s just more twitter speculation than anything.”
Italiano responded, “It would be for the end of season because he’s not contracted for next year and we haven’t spoken about next year yet,” when asked how devastating losing the former Leeds United center-back would be.
“But like all the other senior players, he would be a huge loss.”
Italiano did disclose that the Phoenix are seeking to strengthen their roster with at least one addition, possibly two, given a sluggish start to 2024–25. The transfer window is scheduled to begin on January 16.
The new-look “Nix,” who lost players like Alex Paulsen, Ben Old, and Finn Surman in the off-season, are currently in 10th place in the rankings and five points outside of the top six after almost missing out on their first Grand Final participation last season.
“Right now, we’re probably looking at bringing in one or two players,” Italiano stated. Due to injuries, we’re a little short right now.
“We need to add a little but more depth. Not saying the young players can’t do a job, it’s just not all of them at once. Probably need to bridge that gap between the older players and the younger players.
“Probably in the middle age range, with the potential to be an attacking option.”
