According to The Athletic, Barcelona has made a bid for 18-year-old Australian center-back Lucas Herrington.
Lucas Herrington currently plays for MLS side Colorado Rapids and is with the Australian national team at the Copa América. Though not yet a household name, he is expected to gain significant attention in the coming years.
The 18-year-old is hoping to feature in Australia's group-stage match against the United States on June 20. He was previously expected to start in Australia's opening match against Turkey. Regardless of whether he plays against the USA, Herrington is widely regarded as a player with significant potential.
According to sources, Barcelona has already made an initial offer to Colorado Rapids, but it was rejected. The bid fell short of the Rapids' valuation, and the club is not motivated to sell. Negotiations are currently inactive.
Since joining Colorado Rapids in the winter transfer window, Herrington has established himself as one of the best young center-backs in world football. Before turning 18, the Rapids secured a long-term agreement with him to preemptively fend off European interest following his move from Brisbane Roar. Sources indicate that between his signing and debut, the Rapids could have profited from selling him to a European club.
Rapids President Pádraig Smith told Yahoo Sports: "He's an extremely talented young man with unlimited potential. When our scouts identified him and began the recruitment process, we recognized his ceiling was exceptionally high."
Colorado Rapids has become one of MLS's most successful clubs for developing young talent and executing transfers. Recently, they sold Canadian international center-back Bombito to Ligue 1 side Nice for an initial fee of $7.7 million, plus additional clauses and a sell-on percentage—a record for an MLS center-back transfer. Given that Herrington is younger than Bombito was at the time of his sale, there is reason to believe he could surpass this record.
Barcelona is not the only club monitoring Herrington. According to sources, Liverpool has also sent scouts to observe him this season. Additional top clubs are expected to follow his progress, as his physical attributes would suit the Premier League well.
Herrington's teammate, former Premier League center-back Rob Holding, offered this assessment: "He's very composed, very relaxed on the ball and under pressure. He's a very good player, and he's improving every week."
In MLS statistics this season, Herrington ranks 4th in clearances, 6th in blocked shots, and 21st in aerial duels won. His team's tactical system emphasizes an aggressive high press, requiring defenders to operate in open space and contribute to attacks through passing and occasionally dribbling.
Herrington possesses the attributes necessary to develop into a top European center-back. A strong performance at the international level could accelerate a move to Europe.
Schlembeckler
2
Copa America? Really?
LINJAyoutube44
0
why stupid that is the best for the club, when he's growing u understand football better
when he is growing we are going to wait more for champuons leage
kopbkmory
1
It's time we buy seeds and grow them. Because we always have difficulty buying players and also like wasting money. So let's respect Deco decision, don't forget Alemany our previous sporting director refused to buy Alvarez when his fee was just 19 million euros and now we are chasing him for 150million euros.
Just checked his profile: he's valued at 4M, no weaknesses so far he's at WC Not a bad seed
Teneklsuy
0
Stupid Club....when others are busy on the transfer market trying to reinforce their squad with matured players for coming season. You are there signing children. How can you compete for champions league and others. Well word to the wise.
why stupid that is the best for the club, when he's growing u understand football better
Koydilsty
0
It's time we buy seeds and grow them. Because we always have difficulty buying players and also like wasting money. So let's respect Deco decision, don't forget Alemany our previous sporting director refused to buy Alvarez when his fee was just 19 million euros and now we are chasing him for 150million euros.
I THOUGHT LA MASIA IS YOUR HOPE
RapagGHUpcoming
4
It's time we buy seeds and grow them. Because we always have difficulty buying players and also like wasting money. So let's respect Deco decision, don't forget Alemany our previous sporting director refused to buy Alvarez when his fee was just 19 million euros and now we are chasing him for 150million euros.
Rutacdimz
4
Stupid Club....when others are busy on the transfer market trying to reinforce their squad with matured players for coming season. You are there signing children. How can you compete for champions league and others. Well word to the wise.