Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United are among a host of clubs chasing Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington.
The 18-year-old has become one of the summer’s most sought-after prospects, following a breakout World Cup with Australia. His performances have triggered a scramble across Europe. The scale of the interest is remarkable.
TEAMtalk‘s Graeme Bailey reports that Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle have joined the Premier League chase, while Chelsea’s owners and Manchester City’s parent group have held discussions. Bayern Munich, Ajax, Monaco and several others are also monitoring him.
Barcelona rival Liverpool and Man Utd for teenager Herrington
His World Cup was a genuine coming-of-age. Herrington became Australia’s youngest-ever player to start at the tournament, impressing with composed displays against Paraguay and Egypt. Scouts were struck by his maturity and reading of the game at such a tender age.
There was heartbreak, too. Herrington missed the decisive penalty in the shootout defeat to Egypt in the last 32, his effort clipping the crossbar.
He still won admirers for his bravery in stepping up, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic among those to praise his courage publicly.
The centre-back’s rise has been meteoric. Standing 6ft 4in, he only joined Colorado from Brisbane Roar in January, in a deal worth less than £1m. Just months later, the MLS side are poised for a substantial profit.
Colorado, though, hold a strong hand. While open to a sale for the right price, the Rapids would welcome a deal that loans Herrington back to MLS for another year before his move to Europe. Several suitors believe that pathway would aid his development.
For Liverpool, that patient approach fits their model. FSG have prioritised investment in elite young talent, and allowing Herrington to mature stateside before arriving would suit all parties.
His stock shows no sign of slowing, either. Herrington has just been named in the MLS All-Star squad to face Liga MX, lining up alongside Lionel Messi later this month.
