It's official: Midfielder Aiden O'Neill is joining New York City FC from Standard de Liège in the Belgium's Jupiler Pro League.
The formal announcement follows weeks of speculation linking the 26-year-old with NYCFC. Hudson River Blue first reported the possible transfer on April 15, and that the deal was completed on April 23.
According to NYCFC, O'Neill "was signed before the close of the League’s Primary Transfer Window on April 23 and will join the club upon the receipt of his P-1 Visa." New York City paid a €2.5 million transfer fee, according to multiple reports.
Aiden O'Neill | First Interview
Courtesy newyorkcityfc.com
First signed by Burnley FC in 2016, he made only three appearances for the club but was loaned to Oldham Athletic, Fleetwood Town, Central Coast Mariners, and Brisbane Roar. O'Neill signed with Melbourne City FC of the City Football Group in 2020, then joined Standard de Liège in 2023. The midfielder made his international debut for the Australia national team that same year, and now has 15 appearances for the Socceroos.
O'Neill was one of Liège's most important players, and the team's captain. But the club reportedly agreed to sell the player to New York City in order to address financial troubles that arose in 2024, when the club was still under the control of troubled American ownership group 777 Partners.
Andrew Leigh
O'Neill is expected to fill the hole left by the departure of James Sands to Germany's St. Pauli before the start of the year. Sands joined St. Pauli on a loan through June of this year, but he broke his ankle in February, and is thought to be out at least until the end of the year.
O'Neill is the seventh player New York City signed this transfer window, one of two with First Team experience, and the only one who commanded a transfer fee.
Official Announcement: New York City FC Signs Midfielder Aiden O’Neill from Belgian side Standard Liège
Friday, Apr 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
New York City FC today announced the signing of Midfielder Aiden O’Neill from Belgian side Standard Liège through 2028. The 26-year-old Australian International was signed before the close of the League’s Primary Transfer Window on April 23 and will join the Club upon the receipt of his P-1 Visa.
The Standard Liège captain joins New York City after making 54 appearances and tallying two goals and an assist with Les Rouches. Prior to joining the Belgian club, O’Neill played for fellow City Football Group (CFG) team Melbourne City FC in Australia where he scored four goals and provided six assists across 63 appearances, winning two league titles along the way.
“We are excited to welcome Aiden to New York City,” said Sporting Director David Lee. “Aiden is a smart and powerful midfielder with a high work rate, bringing valuable European experience and leadership from his time as captain of Standard Liège. Aiden’s experience at Melbourne City and within City Football Group has also given him a strong understanding of our system, playing style, and the high standards we set at our club.”
“Aiden is a player we’ve followed for a while. We’re confident he’ll be a strong addition to the team,” Lee added. “He adds depth and flexibility to our roster as we begin to build the team around Pascal’s vision.”
The Australian has represented the Socceroos since 2023, making 19 appearances since his international debut. O’Neill was most recently capped for Australia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last month.
“I’m extremely excited to join New York City FC and to be back within City Football Group for this next chapter of my career,” Midfielder Aiden O’Neill said. “This is an ambitious Club representing one of the greatest cities in the world, and I’m looking forward to making my mark. I’d describe myself as a hardworking, box-to-box midfielder who’s all about the collective—always ready to give absolutely everything on-and-off the pitch. I’ve heard incredible things about the organization and the city, and I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone. I’m especially looking forward to playing in front of the passionate New York City fanbase and giving them a reason to cheer as we compete for trophies.”
The Brisbane native began his professional debut in England with Burnley Football Club, making appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup. O’Neill also played in the EFL League One with Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town before moving back to A-League Men in Australia where he also featured for the Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners. O’Neill made 88 appearances, notching five goals and assists across all five clubs.
Transaction: New York City FC sign Midfielder Aiden O’Neill from Standard Liège through 2028.
Name: Aiden O'Neill
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: July 4, 1998
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 172 lbs
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
Andrew Leigh
