Jake joins Scottish club Motherwell on three-year deal
Jack Girdwood-Reich, who played for A-League champs Auckland, has joined SPL club Motherwell.
Fresh from helping Auckland FC win an A-League title while on loan from US Major League Soccer club St Louis City, Jewish Sydneysider Jake Girdwood-Reich last Friday officially joined Scottish Premier League (SPL) side Motherwell.
The talented 22-year-old Jewish centre-back was transferred from St Louis City – whom he’d played in 23 games for before playing a full season for Auckland – for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.
Also a former Sydney FC star, Girdwood-Reich’s move instantly doubles the number of Jewish Australians playing in Scotland’s top professional league, with fellow Sydney native, 23-year-old prolific striker Zac Sapsford, about to start his second season there, for Dundee United, as their top goalscorer.
Sapsford scored nine goals in the 2025-26 SPL season, and two in other competitions, and has continued that form this month in the Premier Sports Cup pre-season tournament, scoring three goals in four games. Dundee United will host Rangers in their opening 2026-27 SPL game.
Girdwood-Reich will sloted into Motherwell’s squad in time for its Europa Conference League home fixture against Faroe Islands Havnar Bóltfelag on July 23, which Motherwell one 2-0, and he will also play in the away tie on July 31, ahead of the first round of the SPL on August 2, when Motherwell travels to Hibernian.
Girdwood-Reich said “It feels so good to be here at Motherwell.
“Talks had been ongoing, and I’d been keen to get things finalised so I could get to work.
“The manager was impressive in the way he explained how he wanted the team to play, and that is something that is important to me. I know what he expects from me, and I know what I can expect from him.”
He added that all his new teammates have “been welcoming, and open to me coming in, so that’s another part that has been easy.
“I know a couple of the boys, and have played against a few too.
“It’s an exciting few weeks ahead, and I’m glad I can be a part of the journey here.”
Motherwell coach Alfred Johansson said, “Jake has a perfect blend of experience and young, raw talent. He is enthusiastic and energetic, and with lots of development still possible, he has enough experience to slot in comfortably in this environment.
“Defensively, he is a strong and intelligent player whose traits match our style.”
On the team’s prospects, Johansson said, “Our squad is coming along nicely ahead of a hectic start to the competitive season, and we are working hard behind the scenes.”
Motherwell and Dundee United will face each other in the SPL in games on September 2, November 7 and January 23.