Payne's transfer to Blackburn Rovers marks a significant step in his career, which has seen him play for various clubs, including Auckland City, Portland Timbers, and Wellington Phoenix. The New Zealand international has also had stints in England, where he trained with Blackburn Rovers in 2012 but was unable to play due to a work visa issue. He later returned to Auckland City and eventually settled in New Zealand, playing for Eastern Suburbs and Wellington Phoenix before the World Cup.
Globo Esporte Futebol reports that Payne has now signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Blackburn Rovers, a move that has seen his Instagram following surge to over 5.3 million. The Olimpia, a Paraguayan club where Payne played before joining Blackburn Rovers, reportedly gained around 250,000 new followers in 24 hours after announcing his departure.