Argyle have fought off strong interest from a number of clubs, including Championship sides, to secure the signing of New Zealand international Ben Waine from A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
The highly-rated 21-year-old striker, has arrived in Devon, passed a medical and agreed terms ahead of an official move for an undisclosed fee when the transfer window opens on 1 January, subject to EFL and international clearance.
Ben sampled his first Home Park experience from the directors’ box as Argyle overcame Wycombe Wanderers on Thursday night, and was inspired, despite higher league interest, to make Plymouth his new home after learning more about the project unfolding in Devon.
A longstanding transfer target at Home Park, speedy forward Ben joins from his hometown side Phoenix, based in the capital of New Zealand. Former Pilgrim Scott Wootton is part of the squad for Phoenix, who are seventh in the A-League after nine games of the season.
A product of the Phoenix academy who holds a British passport through his parents, Waine made his first-team debut in April 2019, shortly before his 18th birthday, and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer the following November. Prior to this, Ben played for the Phoenix reserve team as part of his footballing development as a scholar.
Waine’s raw talent and eye for goal has seen him gain regular international recognition throughout his fledgling career, representing the All Whites through the international age groups, including the FIFA under-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019, where he scored twice in a 5-0 win over Honduras.
Waine is also an Olympian, having represented New Zealand in the Tokyo 2020 games following an incredible preliminary campaign, in which Ben scored eight goals from just five appearances as New Zealand qualified as the Oceania representatives for the games.
Excellent form back at Wellington Phoenix earned a nomination for the A-League Young Player of the Year in 2021, and a call-up to New Zealand’s senior national side came soon after, with Waine’s first senior international goal proving the winner in a 1-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in a World Cup qualifier in March 2022.
While their playing styles may lack similarity, Waine follows in the footsteps of Rory Fallon, who played 160 times for Argyle between 2007 and 2011, and earned legendary status in New Zealand by scoring the goal that qualified the All Whites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Argyle boss Steven Schumacher said: “We are delighted that Ben Waine has joined us at Plymouth Argyle. He is a player I have been tracking for over a year now, and we made an attempt in the summer to try and bring him to Home Park.
"I want to thank Andrew Parkinson, Simon Hallett and the board for continuing the pursuit, and allowing us the opportunity to buy Ben and give him his chance to play in England.
"Ben is a young player who has a tremendous attitude and a willingness to learn and improve. Hopefully he can help score the goals that will maintain our push for promotion, and I’m sure all of the Green Army will be excited to see him play.
"Welcome aboard, Ben."
(image and write up courtesy of Plymouth Argyle)
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