All Whites and Wellington Phoenix defender Tim Payne is being tipped for a shock move to South America in the wake of his social media fame.
Payne, who shot to global attention before the World Cup on the back of a campaign by an Argentinian influencer who set out to boost his social media following (he now has 5.8m followers on Instagram), could be heading to Olimpia in Paraguay, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
"New Zealand defender Tim Payne has agreed to join Olimpia in Paraguay as new club from Wellington Phoenix," he wrote on X to his near 28 million followers.
"Verbal agreement in place for the defender after his social media story this month."
The looming move has also been reported by Associated Press.
Paraguay champions Olimpia posted a Kiwi flag emoji on X yesterday, but have not confirmed the deal.
Payne put in a solid performance as New Zealand and Iran drew 2 - 2 in Los Angeles yesterday.
A move to South America at the age of 32 would cap a mind-boggling month or so for Payne, who has nearly 150 appearances for the Wellington Phoenix.
Earlier this week his partner Michelle Peters told 1News about the "wild" time for the family.
"It was a bit overwhelming, but the support has just been so positive. All of this has been so positive in so many ways. You know, for New Zealand football, for Tim's career, for us as a family," Peters said.
SHARE ME