Those who followed the Club World Cup throughout the summer of 2025 may have seen the familiar face of Andros Townsend for much of the tournament. The former Tottenham and Newcastle winger appeared on co-commentary for a large part of DAZN's coverage of the competition as he continues his exploration into the world of punditry.
Many may have forgotten about the former England international, who was last seen playing on English soil in 2023 with Luton, where he famously changed the name on the back of his shirt. However, for those who assumed that the 34-year-old had given up playing after seeing him become more involved with the media, you may be shocked to find that isn't the case at all, as Townsend has completed his most shocking move yet.
Townsend's Career Takes Shocking Twist
The winger is now playing in Asia
After completing a brief spell with Luton when the Hatters made their return to top-flight football, Townsend left and finally completed a move to Turkish side Antalyaspor in September 2024, after being left in limbo when the club were hit with a transfer ban that looked like it might prohibit the move.
The headache of that switch may not have been worth it though, as after just 23 appearances in which he scored only twice, Townsend has been shipped off yet again. His new destination sees him swap Europe for Asia for the first time in his career, as he is set to feature in the Thai League for Kanchanaburi Power FC.
While the move sounds like something out of the video game Football Manager - a game that has previously landed Townsend in trouble with his partner - it is a legitimate transfer, with the forward signing a one-year deal.
Incredibly, Kanchanaburi Power did not even exist when Townsend started his professional career, having first been established in 2017. In less than a decade, the club have undergone three rebrands - changing their name from Singha Golden Bells to Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi and now Kanchanaburi Power. However, they have finally found themselves in the top flight of Thai football after securing promotion last campaign.
Other notable names at the club include former Lens defender Mehdi Tahrat, ex-Dynamo Kyiv striker Gerson Rodrigues, and 42-year-old Suchao Nutnum, who is the club captain.
Townsend's Premier League Career
The forward has embarked on a journeyman story
Townsend began his Premier League career with Tottenham Hotspur, coming through their academy and making his debut in 2009 while on loan for Yeovil. To gain experience, he went on several loan spells, including stints at QPR, Leeds, and Birmingham. He finally broke into the Spurs first team during the 2013-14 season, showcasing his pace, dribbling, and powerful left foot.
After falling down the pecking order at Tottenham, Townsend moved to Newcastle United in January 2016. He made an immediate impact, scoring key goals, but Newcastle were relegated that season. As a result, Townsend joined Crystal Palace in the summer of 2016.
At Palace, Townsend became a consistent performer, known for his tireless work rate and eye for spectacular goals. His most iconic moment came in December 2018 against Manchester City. He scored a stunning 30-yard volley that flew into the top corner, helping Palace to a shock 3–2 win at the Etihad. The goal later won the Premier League Goal of the Season award and is still considered to be one of the best in Premier League history.
In 2021, Townsend signed for Everton on a free transfer, reuniting with Rafael Benitez. He had a strong start, including a long-range goal against Burnley, but suffered a serious knee injury in early 2022 that kept him out for over a year. After leaving Everton, he had a short stint with Luton Town in 2023, but could do nothing to help them stay afloat.
Townsend earned 13 England caps between 2013 and 2016, scoring three goals. He made an impressive debut against Montenegro in a World Cup qualifier, scoring a superb goal, but never represented the Three Lions at a major tournament.
Andros Townsend's Career Ranked by Appearances
Club
Crystal Palace
Tottenham
Luton Town
Everton
Antalyaspor
Birmingham City
Ipswich Town
England
Newcastle United
QPR
Millwall
Yeovil Town
MK Dons
Leeds United
Watford
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 04/08/2025.