A-Leagues graduate and Socceroo Lucas Herrington says his journey from Australia to Premier League side Hull City in less than 12 months is proof that A-Leagues clubs are now producing some serious talent out of their academies.
18-year-old Herrington officially became Australia’s newest Premier League player back in August after his move from MLS side Colorado Rapids to the Tigers was confirmed, with reports suggesting an initial fee in the region of $23m AUD was paid to secure the young star’s services.
Furthermore, should Herrington’s time in Kingston upon Hull be a success then the total value of the deal could sky rocket to an eye-watering $33m AUD, a clear indication the Premier League new boys believe they have a star on their hands.
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Lucas Herrington and John Egan of Hull City celebrate at full-time following victory in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium
Herrington made his debut for the Tigers just a week after joining the club, coming off the bench to help his new side secure a stunning 2-0 win over Manchester United in Matchweek 1.
The teenager then went on to play 90 minutes in Hull’s EFL Cup win over Stoke City before appearing off the bench again, this time against newly promoted Coventry City, as Hull made it two wins from two to sit third on the Premier League ladder.
“It’s been awesome,” Herrington said, when speaking about his transition to English football with a select group of Australian media on Thursday evening.
“Obviously, it’s probably the best league in the world. So to be here at 18 is super special.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League, so you know I’m very grateful for the opportunity by the coaching staff and the club to do so.
“I’ve loved my first three or so weeks here, and yeah, just really looking forward to what’s more, and yeah, ready for Saturday.”
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Lucas Herrington and Oliver McBurnie of Hull City interact at full-time following the team’s victory in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium
Herrington’s journey from A-Leagues to the Premier League via Major League Soccer (MLS) took less than eight months, with the prodigious young talent playing his last game for Brisbane Roar in January 2026 before then departing for the United States and Colorado Rapids.
An impressive seven months in Colorado coupled with his assured performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the Socceroos saw his name appear on the radars of several of European football’s biggest clubs, most notably Spanish giants FC Barcelona, before Hull City ultimately won the race for his signature.
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Despite his rapid rise to stardom, Herrington was full of praise for the role Brisbane Roar and the A-Leagues has played in his football development, believing more clubs will now start looking at some of the young gems A-Leagues academies are producing.
“Yeah, of course. I mean, the A League. I think there’s no doubt about the talent,” Herrington said.
“Obviously, it gave me my big break when I was 17 under Ruben Zadkovich at Roar. So you know, I’ve got nothing bad to say about the league.
Lucas Herrington poses during the Brisbane Roar 2024-25 A-League Season Launch Media Event at Suncorp Stadium
“It was a great learning for me to play against men at such a young age, and to play in my hometown was super special.
“I think you know a lot of the Socceroos have come through A-League academies, so there’s no doubt about the quality.
“I think it’s just continuing to back those young players and to get the opportunities because you can see the talents clearly there, and I think the more opportunities that young players can get, the better the national team will be.
He added: “So I think it’s just about that pathway, and those players working hard to be the best players they can, both on and off the field.”
Following Herrington’s potentially record-breaking move to Hull fellow Aussies Nestory Irankunda and Patrick Beach earned big money moves to European sides Sporting CP and ES Troyes respectively off the back of impressive displays at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Similar to their Socceroos teammate, both Irankunda and Beach came through the Adelaide United and Melbourne City academies respectively, establishing themselves as household names in the Isuzu UTE A-League before being recognised at international level and then sealing moves overseas.
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Patrick Beach for the Socceroos
Nestory Irankunda in action for the Socceroos
Herrington’s message to those hoping to follow a similar path is a clear one: Put in the hard yards and your talent will get you noticed, with clubs around the world now keeping a close eye on Australian football.
“Just keep working hard, stay patient. You know, every journey is different. Obviously, mine came pretty early, but it doesn’t happen for everyone.
“I think there’s obviously the talent around the league, so it’s just about them having the right mindset and having the right mentality to go on and just work hard.
“The A-League’s a great league, I loved playing in it, so it’s just about taking that opportunity when you can, and just being grateful to be playing professional football in the country we all love.”
Whilst Australian football fans now have a new Premier League club to keep tabs on in the form of the Tigers, Herrington’s former school side ‘Churchies’ (Anglican Church Grammar School in East Brisbane) have gone one step further, using their former player as an inspiration to their current students.
Herrington was captain of the Churchies First XI Football team during his time at the school and as such, staff are now displaying Herrington’s photo accompanied by the tagline ‘What legacy will you leave?’ before each home game.
“I didn’t even know that, but thank you,” said a surprised Herrington when informed of his old school’s current campaign.
“(I am) obviously, just trying to be an inspiration for all, you know, the young Australians that there is really a pathway to the Premier League.
“Obviously, I think a lot of young footballers in Australia, like me, wake up at all hours of the morning to watch the Premier League.
“So you know, hopefully, I can make them proud, make Australia proud, and just show the young players in Australia there is a pathway.
“You know, just to keep working hard, enjoy the process and just have big dreams because dreams do come true like that for me.”
Next up for Herrington and Hull is another home clash as the Tigers welcome 2025/26 UEFA Europa Winners Aston Villa to the MKM Stadium on Saturday evening.
