Wanderers sign 17-year-old phenom set for World Cup debut

Western Sydney Wanderers have secured the services of immensely-talented teenager striker and New Zealand international Milly Clegg ahead of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.

Clegg burst onto the scene last season at Wellington Phoenix in her debut A-League Women campaign; the 17-year-old won the club’s Golden Boot with four goals.

That was just one feat achieved in a memorable 12 months for the teenager who represented New Zealand at both the Under-17 and U20 World Cups before making her senior debut and earning a spot in the Football Ferns World Cup squad.

Clegg is the youngest member of the New Zealand squad World Cup squad – one of two host nations for the major tournament alongside Australia.

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Wanderers head coach Kat Smith hailed Clegg as a generational talent whose “raw ability” makes her one of the most exciting prospects in the A-League Women.

“As touted by the local media and experts, Milly Clegg is the best centre-forward prospect New Zealand has produced in at least a decade,” said Smith.

“It was evident that when given A-league minutes, her presence on the pitch was pivotal and, in most cases, resulted in the ball in the back of the net. This notable emergence has caught our eye and can turn the dial on our attacking plights. 

“She’s got pace, skill, technique, vision and thrilling, raw ability.”

Clegg added: “I’m really excited to join Western Sydney Wanderers and be based in a professional environment overseas.

“I enjoyed my first season in the A-Leagues with Wellington Phoenix and learnt a lot from the experience. I can’t wait to take on this new challenge.

“The Wanderers is a great opportunity for me. I love scoring goals and hope to be adding to this next season with Western Sydney.”

The Football Ferns face Norway, Philippines and Switzerland in the group stage of the World Cup.

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