The 35-year-old had been linked to the Phoenix with Fox Sports reporting on Sunday that representatives for the former Premier League and Champions League winner had be in talks with the A-League club.
However, Wellington general manager David Dome was quick to scupper any talk of a deal for the Ghanaian, emphatically telling Sport Radio NZ that a deal will not be done for Essien.
Currently a free agent, Essien has not played in a competitive match since March after his contract with Indonesian side Persib Bandung was terminated and is believed to have been training with Chelsea's U-23 team.
It is not the first time he has been linked to the A-League with Melbourne Victory unsuccesfully attempting to sign the former Premier League star in 2016.
New Wellington coach Mark Rudan has had a busy off-season to date bringing in a number of players including former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

