South Melbourne FC

Day: July 2, 2026

Senior Men’s Squad Update | June / July Registration Window

South Melbourne FC can confirm the following changes to our senior men’s squad following the conclusion of the 2026 mid-season transfer window.

Joining the club for the remainder of the 2026 season are Bul Juach from Pacific FC (Canada), Paulo Retre from Wellington Phoenix, David Yoo from South Island United and Hassan Ramazani from Vanuatu United. The club has also added youngsters Richard Nkomo from Newcastle Jets and Sam Fawcett who is a former South Melbourne and Melbourne City junior also.

Andre Skapoulas has also been elevated to our senior squad for the remainder of the season.

Departing the club on loan are Nahuel Bonada, who joins Preston Lions, and Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova, who also leaves via a loan to Altona Magic. Ethan O’Sullivan has also returned home to Perth.

The club also farewells Thierry Papadimitriou, Lucas Inglese, Jack Pope, Luka Coveny, Charlie Leech, Ishveer Singh, Campbell Dovison, Che Gorr-Burchmore, Luca Durso, Thomas Killick, Gerry Angelatos and Angus Angelatos, with many of our younger players moving on in pursuit of regular senior football opportunities.

We thank each of our departing players for their contribution to South Melbourne FC and wish them every success in the next chapter of their football careers.

We are delighted to welcome Bul, Paulo, David and Hassan to the Hellas family as we prepare for a crucial second half of 2026 across the NPL Victoria, Australia Cup and Australian Championship, while also building towards the 2027 Oceania Professional League.

July 2, 2026
South sign A-League star Paulo Retre

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Paulo Retre, who joins the club on a two year deal.

Retre arrives at Lakeside Stadium following an outstanding career in the A-League, most recently with Wellington Phoenix, after also enjoying trophy filled spells with Sydney FC and Melbourne City. Across more than a decade at the highest level of Australian football, Retre has established himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and dependable performers, winning multiple A-League Championships, Australia Cup titles and representing his clubs in the AFC Champions League.

A versatile midfielder who is equally comfortable across the back line, Retre brings leadership, composure and exceptional football intelligence to South Melbourne. Renowned for his ability to control possession, win the ball back and dictate the tempo of matches, his experience and winning mentality will provide a major boost as the club prepares for a crucial period across the NPL Victoria, Australia Cup, Australian Championship and Oceania Professional League.

Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis said the signing was another statement of the club’s ambition.

“Paulo is a player whose quality speaks for itself. To bring someone with his experience, professionalism and winning mentality to South Melbourne is a significant signing for our football club.

“He has consistently performed at the highest level for many years, winning trophies and competing in some of the biggest matches in Australian football. Just as importantly, he is the type of person who will lift the standards around our group every day.

“We have a massive few months ahead across four competitions, and Paulo’s leadership, versatility and quality on the ball will be invaluable. His ambitions match ours as a football club, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Hellas family.”

Welcome to the Hellas family, Paulo!

July 2, 2026
Hassan Ramazani signs for South Melbourne

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Hassan Ramazani on loan from Vanuatu United FC for the remainder of the 2026 season.

A former Brisbane Roar defender, Ramazani joins the club after an outstanding OFC Professional League campaign, earning selection in the OFC Professional League Team of the Season. Tough in the contest, composed on the ball and capable of playing anywhere across the back four, the versatile defender impressed every time he faced South Melbourne in the OFC Professional League and now makes the move to Lakeside.

Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis welcomed Ramazani to the club.

“Hassan is someone who really impressed us every time we came up against him in the OFC Professional League. He is a tough defender, comfortable on the ball and has the versatility to play across the back four, which makes him a valuable addition to our squad.”

“His Team of the Season selection speaks for itself, and with some huge matches ahead across the NPL Victoria, Australia Cup and Australian Championship, we’re delighted to welcome Hassan to the Hellas family.”

July 2, 2026