Paul Okon-Engstler has secured a move to Europe, after Sydney FC accepted a €1 million deal with Bundesliga club FC Koln. The Australian young gun is undergoing a medical and formalising a four-year deal this week.
The 21-year-old, whose father Paul Okon is an assistant manager at the Socceroos, turned heads after a breakout run at the 2026 World Cup.
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He was a particular standout in Australia’s 2–0 victory over Türkiye, which ended up being vital to the Socceroos qualifying for the knockout stage. He set up Nestory Irankunda’s opener in that game, and started in the midfield again against the United States a week later.
The youngster was rested for the Paraguay game (a nil-all draw) then came off the bench for a late cameo 30 minutes against Egypt.
International media praised the star for his off-the-ball work and his passing.
Other Socceroos we may see on the move soon include Irankunda, whose club Watford has already acknowledged “a lot of big clubs are watching him… all the world is talking about him.
The Sporting Base understands newly promoted Premier League side Hull City already had a $16 million bid rejected recently.
“I see myself playing at a top level soon, whether that’s now or next season,” the 20-year-old said.
“It will happen eventually in my opinion. I have that belief in myself that I can get to that level one day. Time will tell.”
Alessandro Circati and Jordy Bos were already being looked at too.
And Lucas Herrington, who is already playing in the MLS in the States and just picked up an EU passport, may be the biggest winner — Spanish giants Barcelona, German clubs Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, and Ligue 1 pair Monaco and Lille, have recently entered the conversation.
Several heavyweight Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United, are also said to be monitoring the defender.
Unfortunately, Brisbane just accepted $560,000 to scrap their sell-on clause.
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