Australia is on the verge of having a new domestic football transfer record as Socceroos and Melbourne City left back Jordan Bos prepares for a move to Belgian club KVC Westerlo.
The 20-year-old, who has taken the A-League by storm this season and earned national team honours, will head to Europe at the end of the Australian domestic season, if he completes a medical with the Belgian top division side.
While the official fee for Bos' prospective move is undisclosed, Melbourne City chief executive Brad Rowse claimed it was a record for an Australian club to receive, with it understood to be in the vicinity of AU$2 million.
The Sporting News looks into the biggest moves from Australian football clubs.
MORE: Harry Souttar transfer to Leicester City: Socceroo shatters Australian record in Premier League move
Biggest transfer fees for Australian players (domestic only)
With Bos set to earn Melbourne City close to AU$2 million, it surpasses the previous record of Socceroos goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac making Sydney United a hefty AU$1.7 million in 1995 when he moved to Leicester City.
Other transfers that Bos will imminently surpass include Aaron Mooy's AU$1.4 million move from Melbourne City to Manchester City and Adelaide United securing a similar amount for Riley McGree joining Charlotte FC.
Some other big money moves from Australian clubs include the transfers of Mitch Langerak (Borussia Dortmund from Melbourne Victory), Rostyn Griffiths (Guangzhou R&F from Central Coast), Daniel De Silva (AS Roma from Perth Glory).
| Player | Season | Club joined | Previous club | Transfer fee AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Bos | 2023-24 | KVC Westerlo | Melbourne City | $2 million* |
| Zeljko Kalac | 1995-96 | Leicester City | Sydney United | $1.7 million |
| Aaron Mooy | 2016-17 | Manchester City | Melbourne City | $1.4 million |
| Riley McGree | 2020-21 | Charlotte FC | Adelaide United | $1.4 million |
| Mitch Langerak | 2010-11 | Borussia Dotmund | Melbourne Victory | $1.39 million |
*to be confirmed
Who is Jordan Bos?
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Since making his debut for Melbourne City against Adelaide United in November 2021, it's been a rapid rise for Bos over the last 18 months.
The left back has become arguably the best at his position in the A-League with his pace, skill and spectacular goals combined with strong defending prowess.
An absolute piledriver puts @MelbourneCity on the cusp of the Premiers Plate! 🏆🔥
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) April 15, 2023
Jordy Bos with one of the sweetest hits you'll see this week!
Catch all the action on @ParamountPlusAU 📺
📰: https://t.co/A16pr3HEWF#CCMvMCY #WeAreALeagues @IsuzuUTE pic.twitter.com/quJcd4VlUf
His incredible form saw club captain and veteran Scott Jamieson displaced as Melbourne City first choice left back and also earned a single Socceroos cap in the second friendly against Ecuador in March.
Bos was linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester City before opting to develop in Belgium's top division.
What they said about Jordan Bos?
Melbourne City CEO Rowse on Bos' move to Westerlo:
"The transfer fee for Jordan is a record for any Australian club and is a testament to his talent and the strength of our academy program.
"I have known Jordan since he first joined the club as a 13-year-old, and I am thrilled to see him take this exciting step in his career. I wish him all the best for the future and look forward to following his progress closely."
Melbourne City coach Dario Vidosic on Bos' development as a player earlier this season:
"The future is very bright for him. He's one of the shining lights of the A-League.
"Not only is he a good defender but he's also very, very good going forward. He's dynamic, he's skilful, he's left-footed, he's big, strong, powerful. Everything that you need in a modern footballer, I think he's got it."
Biggest transfer fees for Australian players (all moves)
| Player | Season | Club joined | Previous club | Transfer fee £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Souttar | 2022-23 | Leicester City | Stoke City | £15 million* |
| Aaron Mooy | 2017-18 | Huddersfield Town | Manchester City | £10 million |
| Mark Viduka | 2000-01 | Leeds United | Celtic | £8 million |
| Brad Smith | 2016-17 | Bournemouth | Liverpool | £6 million |
| Mat Ryan | 2015-16 | Valencia | Club Brugge | £6 million |
Socceroos defender Harry Souttar became Australia's most expensive football transfer after it was confirmed he was joining Premier League side Leicester City during the 2023 January transfer window.
The 24-year-old central defender traded Championship club Stoke City for England's top division with the transfer fee understood to be £15 million - surpassing the £10m paid by Huddersfield Town to Manchester City for Aaron Mooy in 2017.
Scottish-born Souttar was turning heads for the Potters since breaking into the first team in 2020, but put his name in lights during the World Cup with his magnificent performances during Australia's record-breaking run to the round of 16.
Soutted and booted 😏 pic.twitter.com/80oaY3JXdH
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 31, 2023
