Three English Premier League clubs missed out in the race to sign young New Zealand striker Matthew Garbett, according to UK media reports.
The 19-year-old OlyWhite, who partnered Chris Wood in the New Zealand attack at the Tokyo Olympic Games, has been signed by Italian Serie A club Torino.
Media reports say Torino secured the Kiwi’s transfer from Swedish club Falkenbergs, despite interest from a trio of London clubs, Watford, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Last year, Garbett signed a three-year contract when he joined Falkenbergs from New Zealand’s Western Suburbs.
He made his senior debut for Suburbs in 2017.
He played a key part in the Wellington club’s 2018-19 NZ Football Championship title run.
Though Garbett is yet to win his first senior cap for New Zealand, he has scored four goals in 10 matches at Under-17 level.
Main photo: Garbett rues a missed chance while playing for the Under-17s. Image: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
