Socceroos striker completes European transfer from A-League

Scottish Premiership side Motherwell have signed Apostolos Stamatelopoulos from Newcastle Jets for an undisclosed fee.

Stamatelopoulos joins Motherwell on a three-year deal, with the club holding an option of a further year.

The 25-year-old forward broke Newcastle’s record for most goals in a season with 17 last term as he also earned his international debut with the Subway Socceroos against Palestine in June.

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“It’s great to finally say I’m a Motherwell player,” Stamatelopoulos said, having scored 24 goals in 60 A-Leagues games.

“I was at the game on Sunday and got a real feel for the place. Seeing all the fans together and the boys playing, I just wanted to get out there.

“It’s been a long journey to get here but I can now focus on making an impact. I’m here to score goals, that’s my job. I will do my best to fulfil that.

“The boys have been brilliant and it’s been great meeting all the staff. I can’t wait to see what’s in store ahead.”

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Stamatelopoulos was contracted to the Jets for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season but Newcastle have netted a fee to allow the Socceroo to “increase his chances of selection” ahead of the Socceroos’ upcoming 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers.

He also scored two goals for the A-Leagues All Stars Men in their 8-0 demolition of Premier League giants Newcastle United in May.

Stamatelopoulos first arrived in Newcastle from Western United in 2021 and scored three goals in 12 Isuzu UTE A-League matches.

At the end of 2020-21, he moved overseas to play for Greek sides Rodos and PAS Giannina F.C.

In 2023-24, Stamatelopoulos re-joined the Jets and flourished under head coach Rob Stanton.

“We’ve been looking to bring someone in who is a goalscorer,” Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“Apostolos has qualities that we’re looking to add to the squad.

“Last season, he performed exceptionally. In the team of the season, the All Stars game and earning his first international cap is all things he got because of his performances.

“It’s a good bit of business for the club.”

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