Barcelona have submitted a bid for Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington, according to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald. The 18-year-old Australian has quickly become a standout player in Major League Soccer since joining the Rapids in January, earning a place in the Socceroos’ squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Herrington has played every minute of MLS action for Colorado this season, demonstrating composure and passing ability within a team that has faced inconsistent results. His decision to move to the United States from Brisbane Roar for a fee of €450,000, despite interest from European clubs, appears to be a strategically sound one, allowing him to develop his game in a system that values playing out from the back under coach Matt Wells.
The Rapids rejected Barcelona’s initial offer, which was reportedly below their valuation of the player. The timing of the bid is significant, as Herrington’s potential performance at the World Cup is likely to further increase his market value. Several other European clubs have already expressed interest in the defender, including Premier League sides Everton and West Ham.
Should Herrington be sold, it is expected to be a club-record fee for the Rapids, surpassing their current high of €7 million. He could potentially become the most expensive Australian player of all time, exceeding the €17 million paid for Harry Souttar’s move to Leicester City. Had the Rapids accepted Barcelona's bid, Herrington would have been the first Australian to play for the club, with previous interest dating back to a pursuit of Harry Kewell in 2003.
A notable aspect of this transfer saga is the financial misstep by Brisbane Roar, Herrington’s former club. They recently waived a 20% sell-on clause in exchange for an additional €340,000 from the Rapids, potentially forgoing a much larger sum when Herrington inevitably moves to Europe. This decision could prove costly as his value continues to rise.
