Brisbane Roar have sold highly-rated academy graduate Lucas Herrington to MLS outfit Colorado Rapids for a club-record fee.
Herrington will join the Rapids during the 2026 January transfer window after Colorado agreed a transfer with Brisbane.
Labelled the “best defender in Australian football” by former Roar head coach Ruben Zadkovich, the 18-year-old sensation enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Isuzu UTE A-League on the back of his first professional contract.
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Australia youth international Herrington – who scored his maiden A-Leagues goal in January – debuted for Brisbane in December and went on to make 17 appearances as he established himself at the heart of Roar’s defence.
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“I am so grateful to the Brisbane Roar for giving me the opportunity to start my professional football journey by playing for this great club,” said Herrington, who first joined Brisbane at Under-13 level.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club, to have come through the Academy from U13s makes it even more special.
“Over the past seven years, I have met some amazing people, from management to coaches to players and of course, the fans.
“I am very proud to have represented the club I have been supporting since I was a kid.”
Herrington is the latest Roar product to secure an overseas transfer after Thomas Waddingham was prised from Brisbane by EFL Championship outfit Portsmouth in January.
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Roar head coach Michael Valkanis added: “At Brisbane Roar, we’re dedicated to identifying quality young Queensland talent and developing them into future stars, and this transfer is an example of just that.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Lucas and look forward to seeing what he achieves in the MLS.
“But for now, our focus is on hitting the ground running for the 25-26 season and he will play a big part in that until his departure in January.