In a move that seemed unfathomable a month ago, Tim Payne's newfound fame as a social media sensation in Latin America has helped the New Zealand international secure a transfer to Paraguay.
The 32-year-old Payne had a tick over 4000 Instagram followers prior to this year's World Cup following a disappointing A-League Men campaign with the Wellington Phoenix.
But the 'Nix star became an overnight celebrity after Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsini singled the All Whites defender out and launched a campaign to lift Payne's profile.
Payne now has six million Instagram followers and his explosion in popularity has helped the defender seal a move to Paraguayan side Club Olimpia.
The Phoenix confirmed on Friday they had reached an agreement for an undisclosed fee, with Payne's deal set to be ratified upon completing a medical after the World Cup.
“I’ve always pushed myself to be the best footballer I can be," Payne said in a statement.
"The opportunity to test myself at the very top of South American football in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana is one of the most incredible opportunities I could have asked for as a professional."
Payne has had spells in England and the US but has spent the majority of his career playing with the Phoenix in the A-League Men or in New Zealand's lower leagues.
Meanwhile, Wellington's rivals Auckland FC are in the hunt for a new manager after confirming championship-winning coach Steve Corica is leaving the club.
Corica has been linked with the vacant Yokohama F Marinos job, the Japanese club which was the launchpad for Ange Postecoglou's move to Celtic.
Corica helped Auckland to a premiership in their debut season and then followed it up with a championship this year.
“Steve embedded himself in Auckland and will always be remembered as the coach who delivered silverware in the club’s first two seasons," said Auckland chief executive Nick Becker.
"He has laid the foundations for future success and set the benchmark for Auckland FC."
