Ivan Soldo's girlfriend hits back amid 'ridiculous' claims around Port Adelaide trade request
The ruckman wants to follow his girlfriend's lead in getting out of Adelaide.
Ivan Soldo's girlfriend has dismissed suggestions she could be the driving force behind his request to be traded from Port Adelaide to a Melbourne AFL club. Port Adelaide confirmed reports this week that Soldo has requested a trade, and it was thought a telling move from his girlfriend could hold the key to why he wants out.
The ruckman is said to be keen on a move to St Kilda, while Dan Houston has also informed Port he wants to leave. Soldo, who won a premiership with Richmond in 2019, still has two years remaining on his contract with the Power. But a move to Melbourne might be designed around appeasing his high-profile girlfriend.
Chelsea Becirevic famously declared Adelaide was "boring" when she packed up and moved to Dubai earlier this year to become an international flight attendant. The 23-year-old had been living in Adelaide with Soldo, but said the "novelty had worn off".
Becirevic has amassed a big social media following, and told fans earlier this year: “I’ve always wanted to work for Emirates, live in Dubai, and travel the world. So that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Doing this one solo. Never moved anywhere by myself so will be good to gain some independence.”
The model clarified that her relationship with Soldo hadn't ended, but her tolerance of living in Adelaide had. “He had to move to Adelaide for his career and [to be honest] it’s been a struggle for me. It [living in Adelaide] is just not for me permanently. Temporarily it’s fine. But long term in Australia I think Melbourne or Gold Coast are for me... maybe even Sydney."
Ivan Soldo's girlfriend denies claims around AFL trade
But addressing the situation on Wednesday, Becirevic slapped down any suggestion she'd put pressure on Soldo to get out of Adelaide as well. “I’m honestly fed up with the ridiculous narrative that keeps circulating. I’ve stayed silent for far too long, but it’s time to set the record straight,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Somehow I’ve become the centre of attention for a trade that has nothing to do with me. I genuinely don’t understand where this information is coming from.
“Not that it’s anyone business but, I moved back from Dubai to support my boyfriend, and somehow I find myself being dragged through the media. It’s disappointing to see the same old story – where the girls gets blamed for everything.”
Nevertheless, her previous comments go some way to explaining why Soldo is now keen to get to Melbourne. There's no doubt Becirevic would be much happier in Melbourne as opposed to Adelaide.
The 28-year-old Soldo only played eight games for Port Adelaide in 2024 and was overlooked for selection throughout the AFL finals. He played 57 games for Richmond from 2015 to 2023, and was part of the Tigers' premiership team in 2019.
Port could land Jack Lukosius by trading Dan Houston
Despite the Power appearing likely to lose Houston and Soldo, they could be set to gain Jack Lukosius from the Gold Coast Suns. Lukosius has two more years remaining on his deal with the Suns, and Port currently doesn't have a first-round draft pick that the Gold Coast are said to be seeking in exchange.
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But trading away Houston will likely land the Power a first-rounder that they can then pass onto the Suns. In August, Houston claimed he wanted to remain at Port, but said later that he'd changed his mind.
"I have informed the club that my preference is to play in Victoria next year," Houston told reporters outside Port's Alberton Oval headquarters this week. "Obviously over the last few weeks I have had a fluctuation of emotions and if the deal can't get done I am happy to stay at Port Adelaide, I love the club. That is all I am going to say."
Houston copped a five-game ban for his hit on Adelaide player Izak Rankine late in the regular season, which resulted in him missing Port's finals run to the prelim. He won his second All-Australian jumper in 2024 and is believed to have met with Carlton, Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.
with AAP
