Arabic version: هيرينغتون يقترب من انتقال أسترالي قياسي إلى هال سيتي

According to ABC News, teenage Socceroo Lucas Herrington is close to joining newly promoted Premier League club Hull City in a deal that could become the most expensive transfer involving an Australian player. Colorado Rapids and Hull City are negotiating, though no agreement has yet been completed.

Reports put the potential fee for the 18-year-old central defender at between $35 million and $38 million. That would surpass the $23 million Australian transfer record set when Harry Souttar moved to Leicester City in 2023. Herrington, a Brisbane Roar product, currently plays for Colorado in MLS and could be the only Socceroo in the Premier League this season.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali confirmed the club’s interest to the BBC on Saturday. Asked whether Herrington was a target, Ilicali said: “Yes.” He described the defender as having “very big potential” and called him a “future star”, adding that the club was “very close”. Asked when a decision could be made, he said: “One week”.

Herrington’s contract with the Rapids runs until 2029, with an option for another year. He played the full match in Colorado’s 1-0 win over Austin FC on Sunday, which could prove to be his final appearance for the club. Colorado do not play again until August 16. Herrington had also appeared for the MLS All-Star team earlier in the week, while transfer questions were reported to be off limits when he met local media.

European interest in Herrington had grown before the FIFA World Cup, including from Barcelona and Liverpool, and increased after his Socceroos and World Cup displays. If completed, the move would follow post-World Cup transfers for Patrick Beach to Troyes and Paul Okon-Engstler to FC Koln. Nestory Irankunda has also been linked with leaving Watford, but no move has eventuated.