Brisbane Roar have signed Dimitri Valkanis on a permanent deal from AEK Athens, with the defender signing a three-year deal.
The 20-year-old defender initially joined the Roar on loan ahead of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season and went on to make 23 appearances in his debut campaign.
Valkanis established himself as a key member of the Roar backline in season 2025-26 and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year at the Brisbane Roar’s end of season awards night.
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“From the moment I arrived in Brisbane, this club felt like home,” said Valkanis after making his move to Queensland a permanent one.
“The supporters, the staff and my teammates have all played a part in my growth last season, and I’m proud to commit my future here.
“Winning Young Player of the Year was a special moment, but it’s only the beginning.
“I want to keep improving, help this team compete for silverware, and repay the faith the club has shown in me.”
Sporting Director James Gow added: “Dimitri is a key signing and an important piece of the puzzle.
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“Dimi is composed, courageous and a player that loves to defend. To convert his loan into a permanent three-year deal reflects both his ambition and our long-term vision to bring the best young talent to Brisbane.
“He has a high ceiling, and we believe the best is still ahead of him in a Brisbane Roar jersey.”
Valkanis is the latest new signing to have been unveiled at the club following moves to bring the likes of former Sydney FC defender Joel King to Suncorp Stadium as well as ex-Central Coast Mariners forward Sabit Ngor,
Furthermore, the club has also recruited forward Marko Ilic to join their attacking line-up, with the 27-year-old heading to Australia from the German third tier.
