Teenage Socceroo Lucas Herrington is on the verge of a move to Premier League club Hull City that would become the most expensive transfer for an Australian player.
The 18-year-old central defender has drawn interest from European clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool since before the World Cup. His impressive debut tournament for Australia has only increased that interest.
A deal has not yet been finalized, but MLS club Colorado Rapids are in negotiations with Hull City, with reports putting the transfer fee between AUD $35 million and $38 million. That would smash the $23 million Australian transfer record set by Harry Souttar's move to Leicester City in 2023.
Herrington, a product of Brisbane Roar, would also be the only Socceroo in the Premier League this season, at this stage.
Hull City owner confirms interest
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali confirmed the newly promoted club's interest in Herrington to the BBC on Saturday. Asked if Herrington was someone Hull were looking at, Ilicali said yes, describing him as a very young boy with very big potential and calling him a future star. Ilicali said he expected a decision within one week.
Herrington's contract with the Rapids runs until 2029, with the option of a further year. He played a full match on Sunday in a 1-0 win over Austin FC that could be his final game for the club.
The defender, who suited up for the MLS All-Star team earlier in the week, was made available to local media after the match, though questions about a potential transfer were reportedly off limits. Colorado do not play again until August 16, making Sunday's game likely his final appearance for the Rapids.
Following other Socceroos abroad
If the move is completed, Herrington will join fellow Socceroos breakout stars Patrick Beach, who moved to Troyes, and Paul Okon-Engstler, who joined FC Koln, in sealing post-World Cup moves to top-five leagues.
Attacker Nestory Irankunda has also been linked to a possible post-World Cup move away from Watford, though that has not yet happened.
Herrington impressed with calm, composed displays at the World Cup. He stepped up to take a penalty in the shootout against Egypt but hit the crossbar as the Socceroos fell at the first knockout stage.
Brisbane Roar's sell-on clause
Brisbane Roar also made headlines during the World Cup after it emerged the club had cashed in early on Herrington when Colorado bought out the Roar's sell-on clause on the teenager. That decision is now set to cost the A-League Men club millions.
