Socceroos young gun Lucas Herrington’s rapid rise has caught the attention of some of European football’s biggest clubs following his breakout FIFA World Cup campaign.
But while interest continues to grow, his MLS club has delivered a firm response to the mounting transfer speculation.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The 18-year-old defender impressed as Australia reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the youngest Australian ever to play at the tournament when he started the Socceroos’ group-stage match against Paraguay.
Now back with MLS side Colorado Rapids, Herrington’s composed performances on football’s biggest stage have thrust him onto the radar of several European heavyweights.
Lucas Herrington during the FIFA World Cup.
Lucas Herrington during the FIFA World Cup.Source: AFP
According to Tribal Football, Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring the teenage defender following his impressive rise.
Rapids boss Matt Wells, however, made it clear the club has no intention of letting its prized youngster leave anytime soon.
“Lucas is here. Lucas is our player,” Wells said.
“There’s a reason that we went through a very stringent process to identify the best young centre-back out there.
“We happened to find one in Australia, and we brought him here. We thought he’d be a perfect fit for this style of play that I was bringing to the club.
“So I think, less time spent on speculation, more time on praise for the club in terms of the process they do. It’s not easy to ID a player of that age, on the other side of the world.
“And then you see the player that he has become in such a short space of time... I think the club deserve a huge amount of credit for that process.
Record $30M bid for Socceroos star | 00:30
“There are no timelines on anything other than, can I get him fit for San Diego?
“Because he’s been away for a long time. We’re delighted to have him back and let’s get him ready for Wednesday.”
Herrington’s breakout tournament also included one of the most difficult moments of his young career.
READ MORE:
MLS INVESTIGATION: Man Utd star’s Messi move sparks tampering investigation
AUSSIE TRANSFER WATCH: Irankunda on brink of $33m blockbuster move
During Australia’s Round of 32 defeat to Egypt, the teenager stepped forward to take a penalty in the shootout but was unable to convert.
Speaking to Denver7 Sports following the World Cup, Herrington reflected on the miss and the support he received from football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“It’s the biggest moment of my career, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” Herrington said.
“Obviously it’s a tough moment for me, but just being given the responsibility to take a penalty at the World Cup meant so much to me.”
Ibrahimović publicly offered his support to the teenager following the match.
Former star and TV pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Former star and TV pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Source: AFP
“I just want to reach out to Herrington,” Ibrahimović said.
“You’re 18 years old. This is just the beginning of your career. You stepping up there, you showed a lot of courage; not everybody would do that.
“My friend, you’re the best, don’t listen to the rest.”
Herrington revealed Ibrahimović had also attempted to contact him directly, but the Australian was asleep and missed the call.
“It meant a lot, him saying that on live TV,” Herrington said.
“As a young player watching him play, one of the greats of the game, it was special to hear that from him.”