Socceroos rising star Paul Okon-Engstler has clinched a move to Europe following a standout performance at the World Cup, and he may not be the only player making the leap. The 21-year-old midfielder, who is the son of former Australian international Paul Okon, has been making waves since his first full professional season with Sydney FC.

Okon-Engstler's European Move

After being born in Belgium during his father's playing career, Okon-Engstler has previously been associated with Club Brugge and Benfica. He is now set to join Bundesliga club FC Koln, with reports indicating that a €1 million ($A1.65m) deal has been agreed upon. The young talent is expected to undergo a medical and finalize a four-year contract next week.

During the World Cup, Okon-Engstler played a crucial role in Australia's midfield, contributing to a 2-0 victory over Turkey by assisting Nestory Irankunda's goal. He also started in the 2-0 loss to the United States and made brief appearances in the matches against Paraguay and Egypt.

Herrington's European Aspirations

Meanwhile, another promising player, Lucas Herrington, is also eyeing a move to Europe. The 18-year-old currently plays for the Colorado Rapids in the United States and has been seen applying for a German passport in Brisbane, leveraging his mother’s heritage. This EU passport would allow him to be registered as a local player in top European leagues.

Herrington's potential transfer has garnered attention, especially after his former A-League club, Brisbane Roar, accepted $560,000 from Colorado to terminate his contract. He has been linked with several prestigious clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Monaco, and Lille, while Premier League teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring his progress.

As both Okon-Engstler and Herrington make strides in their careers, the Socceroos continue to showcase their talent on the international stage, paving the way for future opportunities in European football.