Opinion – It has been an incredible season for the Wellington Phoenix but, ultimately, one which ended in crushing disappointment in front of a sell-out crowd at Sky Stadium in Wellington last weekend. Melbourne Victory’s extra-time triumph in the Finals Series semi-final will have only temporarily dampened the spirits in the ‘Nix camp, with attention now turning to next season.

Last off-season saw seven key players move on, as well as the manager, necessitating a rejig which has paid off beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.

So, what ducks do the Phoenix need to get in a row for 2024-25?

One player who won’t be with the Phoenix next year is Oskar Zawada. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano confirmed in the semi-final post-match that the 28-year-old was heading for pastures new, with his contract expiring. The rumour mill is churning, with suggestions Zawada could head to the upstart Auckland FC, in what would be an early Luis Figo-like move to the new rivals.

Zawada’s exit would have seemed catastrophic this time last year but he spent much of this season on the sidelines and Kosta Barbarouses stepped into the void with aplomb. He is also reaching the end of his current deal but Italiano and the club are confident the 34-year-old will remain. There has been chatter of interest from clubs in Melbourne, where he previously spent two successful spells with the Victory, with Melbourne City in particular needing a new striker now Jamie Maclaren has moved on. Fingers crossed Barbarouses does stay put.

Another player on his way out is Youstin Salas. Club sources have confirmed there are currently no plans to turn the Costa Rican international’s loan deal into a permanent transfer in the off-season. The club are currently working on new deals with Bulgarian attacker Bozhidar Kraev, midfield lynchpin Nicholas Pennington and back-up goalkeeper Jack Duncan – all of whom are currently off contract.