Brisbane Roar has officially secured the services of defender Dimitri Valkanis on a permanent basis, signing him to a three-year contract. The 20-year-old previously joined the Roar on loan from AEK Athens ahead of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season, where he made a significant impact by appearing in 23 matches during his debut season.

Key Player Recognition

Valkanis quickly became an integral part of the Roar's defense, earning the title of Young Player of the Year at the club's end-of-season awards. Reflecting on his move to Brisbane, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “From the moment I arrived in Brisbane, this club felt like home. The supporters, the staff and my teammates have all played a part in my growth last season, and I’m proud to commit my future here.” He emphasized his desire to continue improving and contribute to the team's success, saying, “Winning Young Player of the Year was a special moment, but it’s only the beginning.”

Club's Vision

Sporting Director James Gow praised Valkanis as a crucial addition to the team, noting, “Dimitri is a key signing and an important piece of the puzzle.” He highlighted the defender's qualities, describing him as composed and courageous, and emphasized that converting his loan into a permanent deal aligns with the club's long-term strategy to attract top young talent. “He has a high ceiling, and we believe the best is still ahead of him in a Brisbane Roar jersey,” Gow added.

Valkanis joins a growing list of new signings at Brisbane Roar, which includes former Sydney FC defender Joel King and ex-Central Coast Mariners forward Sabit Ngor. Additionally, the club has bolstered its attacking options by bringing in forward Marko Ilic from the German third tier.