Brisbane Roar Coach Addresses Transfer Speculation Surrounding ‘Australia’s Top Defender’

Brisbane Roar’s head coach, Ruben Zadkovich, has revealed that there’s been “a significant amount of interest” in rising star Lucas Herrington, following growing speculation surrounding the young player.

Zadkovich’s comments came in response to speculation ignited by A-Leagues and Network 10 commentator Simon Hill, who suggested that MLS club Colorado Rapids are reportedly close to securing the 17-year-old centre-back from Brisbane.

The promising talent has garnered high praise at Roar, having progressed through the club’s academy, with Zadkovich previously describing him as the “finest defender in Australian football.”

“There’s been considerable interest in Lucas,” Zadkovich told reporters after the team suffered a 5-1 defeat to Macarthur Bulls on Friday night.

“I believe Lucas has performed admirably this season, managing to keep players like Adam Taggart, (Patryk) Klimala, and (Bruno) Fornaroli relatively quiet. He has excelled in numerous matches.

“I suspect there won’t just be a handful of teams scouting him — there will be many. A transfer for our club would be a substantial positive outcome from this season, which is what I have been aiming for.

“We’ve successfully sold Thomas Waddingham to Portsmouth. As I mentioned earlier this week, it would have been ideal to retain Tommy for longer. We could have potentially doubled or tripled the sale if he had maintained his scoring form. However, the club is in a position where we require that funding to sustain operations.

“I remain hopeful that a sale for Lucas is on the horizon, which would mark another achievement for us, successfully developing a 17-year-old local talent into a fully professional footballer.

“Securing a significant sale for him would ideally help our finances, which we greatly need.”

When asked if Herrington is prepared for a move overseas, Zadkovich responded: “It depends on the situation. It needs to be the right club, coach, and environment.

“There are certainly many clubs interested in him. It’s essential for him to choose the right opportunity for his football career.

“We will certainly guide and support him through that journey. However, there is a business aspect to football, and if the player is keen on a move and the price is right, it would be beneficial for our club.”