Sydney FC teen Akol Akon signs record MLS deal, stays on loan
Seventeen-year-old Sydney FC forward Akol Akon has agreed to a multi-million dollar transfer to MLS side Colorado Rapids, but will remain with the Sky Blues on loan for the upcoming season.
Sydney FC teenager Akol Akon, 17, has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids, a transfer hailed as record-breaking for an Australian player. Despite the agreement, Akon will spend the coming season on loan with the Sky Blues, allowing him to continue his development in the A-League. The winger, who became the youngest participant and starter in an A-League final at 17, follows a path similar to former Socceroos striker Lucas Herrington, whose own overseas move set a national fee benchmark.
Coach Patrick Kisnorbo highlighted Akon’s growth over the past year and his readiness for a long, successful career. Akon thanked the club for its support and said he looks forward to contributing this season before heading to the United States. The transfer also represents a setback for cross-town rivals Western Sydney, who previously lost the player to Sydney FC’s academy.
Why it matters
The deal marks a historic transfer fee for an Australian teenager and could boost his chances of national team selection.
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