Inside the A-League’s transfer boom: 19 young stars who can bring in millions in revenue
In just three years, A-League transfer revenue enjoyed a 600% increase, growing to $22 million. It’s just the beginning. Here’s 19 young stars ready to make millions for the A-League.
In just three seasons transfer revenue across the A-League grew from $3 million to $22 million with Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan predicting it would continue to grow due to the current talent pool.
Morgan, who recently took the Young Socceroos to Chile for the U20 FIFA World Cup, said A-Leagues clubs’ focus on developing young players had benefits right up the chain.
Last season the number of minutes played by players under the age of 23 in the A-League men’s increased by 33 per cent on the year before.
Statistics from International Centre for Sports Studies Football Observatory had the A-League ranked second for percentage of match minutes played by under-20 players. The Serbian Super Liga topped the list.
“It is very fortunate that we’re in a period of the A-League in particular where young players are getting some serious game time,” Morgan said.
“Clubs are definitely looking at that as part of their role, not just trying to win the trophy but also trying to develop young talent and obviously make the business side flow.
“This group of players is probably in the right era where that is working well for them.”
Collectively clubs pulled in more than $21 million in transfer fees in the 2023/24 season and $15 million in the 2024/25 season – with the average move worth $826,000.
It seems like a small figure when compared to overseas markets like the English Premier League – Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle to Liverpool was reportedly worth $A255 million.
But it is a big jump from the average of $299,000 back in 2020/21.
Morgan predicts as players start to get more minutes and international exposure through competitions such as the FIFA U20 World Cup the transfer value of Australian players will only grow.
Of Morgan’s Young Socceroos team that won Australia’s first U20 Asian Cup back in March – 17 of the 23-man squad were currently contracted to A-League clubs and every player had at one point been signed to a club.
“If we keep the momentum up this generation and some players two or three years younger keep doing the same thing then you will start to raise your market value,” Morgan said.
“It is quite simple, if I seem to be a good product and worth investing in then the value will go up, that’s how it works.”
APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said the impact seen today are a direct result of clubs’ huge investment into academy programs, which were mandated in the 2016/17 season. Every club can sign up to 16 scholarship players, who don’t count towards the salary cap.
“The growth in transfer revenue across the league is a testament to the continued investment and commitment from our clubs into their academy pathways and developing young talent,” Conroy said.
“For the last nine years, clubs have invested heavily into their academies and they’re now reaping the rewards with more talented, first team ready footballers.
“Clubs across the world have recognised the rise in quality and the top leagues are taking note of the top young talent coming through our ranks. It’s a huge opportunity for clubs and players, as the reputation of Australian football continues to grow globally.”
Conroy said a growth in transfer fees allowed clubs to continue to invest in infrastructure, offer more scholarship contracts, and longer-term deals for rising stars.
“Beyond the transfer revenue, the growing talent pool is also benefiting on-field as the clubs give greater opportunities to academy products,” Conroy said.
“More minutes into more youngsters also benefits our national teams, has produced more entertaining football and we know it’s also something that resonates with fans, as our end of year survey showed, they connect most with rising young stars breaking into the league.”
POTENTIAL BIG TRANSFERS
Adelaide United:
Panagiotis Kikianis: A classy 20-year-old defender with youth national team experience. Known for his maturity, resilience and on-field presence.
Ethan Alagich: The son of former professional footballer Richie Alagich, Ethan, 21, has made a name for himself as a dynamic midfielder. He was one of the most consistent on the field for Adelaide last season, finishing with two goals and two assists. His contract is up at the end of the season and he will no doubt have plenty of eyes on him.
Auckland:
Jesse Randall: The dynamic attacker finished the season with three goals and an assist – quite impressive given he is just 23 years old.
Brisbane Roar:
Sam Klein: A box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal. Klein, 21, only signed his first professional contract in February. He has played for the Young Socceroos.
Central Coast Mariners:
Arthur De Lima: Just 18-years-old and scored three goals from just nine outings in the A-League last season.
Haine Eames: With 1000 minutes of professional football under his boots by the time he turned 17 – Eames is no doubt on plenty of clubs’ radar. His composure on the ball is well beyond his years.
Macarthur Bulls:
Bernado Oliveira: He Has had a rough start with a run of injuries but the 21-year-old midfielder is full of potential.
Melbourne City:
Max Caputo: It can be hard to shine as a 19-year-old in a team filled with stars but Caputo hasn’t really had an issue despite largely being used in a thankless role as a back-up striker. He banged in five goals in 13 matches and 58 per cent of his shots this season were on target.
Lawrence Wong: The 17-year-old midfielder is only going to get better with experience. The City academy product is a creative attacking midfielder with the speed and versatility to also play out wide.
Melbourne Victory:
Jordi Valadon: Playing alongside Ryan Teague in the midfield has taken the 22-year-old’s game to a new level. He finished last season with six assists.
Nishan Velupillay: One of the older players on the list but at 24-years-old Velupillay is primed for a move overseas. He scored seven goals and registered four assists and has proven he can replicate his skills on the international stage.
Newcastle Jets
Clayton Taylor: the 21-year-old’s stats really do the talking for him – seven goals and six assists last season. He also banged in seven goals in his debut season with the Jets.
Perth Glory:
Andriano Lebib: While only given limited game time last season the 19-year-old proved he is a very capable and commanding defender.
Arion Sulemani: The 20-year-old Melbourne City Academy product signed is making the move West this season. He is on a two-year deal. He made eight appearances with City and will be hoping for more chances this season.
Sydney FC
Paul Okon-Engstler: The son of Socceroos great Paul Okon, joins Sydney FC on a multi-year deal after three years playing across Europe. The 20-year-old has already had a Socceroos call up and is part of the Young Socceroos as well.
Wellington Phoenix
Luke Brooke-Smith: the 17-year-old winger is captivating to watch and has already had a call up to the New Zealand men’s team.
Lukas Kelly-Heald: An impressive 1.98m tall, Kelly-Heald, 20, was the youngest regular starter defender in the A-League last season. He started 18 games, and played in another five off the bench.
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Western Sydney Wanderers:
Anthony Pantazoloulos: Hailed as one of the most talented centre backs in the league, the 22-year-old is an assured defensive presence with the ball at his feet. His breakout season included two goals and an assist.
Alex Bonetig: The central defender, 22, is known for his composure, tactical awareness and ability in the air.
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