The Navua Football Association is actively pursuing national team striker Sairusi Nalaubu in anticipation of the 2025 domestic season. Nalaubu, currently with Lautoka, has garnered interest from several clubs, including Suva and Rewa, but Navua appears to be leading the charge with an appealing offer to the striker.

Lautoka’s President, Shalendra Prasad, confirmed that Navua has reached out to initiate discussions about Nalaubu’s potential transfer. He noted that, in adherence to Fiji FA regulations, any district seeking to negotiate must first obtain consent from a player’s current club. To date, Navua has made preliminary contact via email, but no formal application has been submitted.

Prasad also pointed out that any potential transfer will be contingent on payment of a significant fee to Lautoka, given Nalaubu’s outstanding debts to the club due to past loans and a previous breach of contract. He elaborated that all contractual obligations must be fulfilled before any transfer can move forward, emphasizing that “whichever district wants to sign him will have to pay a huge amount to Lautoka FA.”

Despite the complexities surrounding the transfer, Prasad maintains that Lautoka won’t prevent players from seeking new opportunities, provided the appropriate processes are followed. He suggested that, for now, those who played for Lautoka during the last season are likely to remain.

This scenario aligns with broader trends in Fijian football, where clubs are keen to strengthen their lineups as they prepare for the upcoming season. The ongoing negotiations underscore the evolving landscape of player transfers, creating anticipation among fans for an exciting and competitive 2025 season.

As clubs strive to enhance their rosters and nurture local talent, the transfer of players like Nalaubu could signal a more competitive league, fostering a vibrant environment for football in Fiji.