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Le Roux makes record transfer move to England

football26 July 2025 15:16| © Mzansi Football
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Luke le Roux © Gallo Images

South African international midfielder Luke le Roux has earned a record transfer fee for his Swedish club Värnamo, estimated in the region of R25 million, when he moved to Portsmouth in England on Saturday.

The 25-year-old signed a contract with the English club that runs until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

Jörgen Petersson, sports director at Värnamo, did not want to reveal the exact amount, but Swedish newspapers said it was the club’s most expensive sale of all time.

"Luke's form over the past couple of seasons means he not only found himself on our radar, but also that of a number of other clubs,” said Portsmouth manager John Mousinho.

"So we're delighted that he's agreed to join Pompey and we've brought in an experienced international player."

Le Roux, who previously left Sweden for a brief stint in the Netherlands, is a product of Stellenbosch FC, as is Tylon Smith, who signed for Queens Park Rangers earlier this week.

“It’s been a really satisfying week for our agency, Centre Circle Consulting, moving two key South African players to the English Championship,” said Matthew Moore, CEO of the agency.

“Firstly, it was Smith, Player of the Tournament when South Africa won the U20 Afcon, and now Luke.

“Tylon is going to have the benefit of his next phase of development being at a good level and at a club that gives young players a chance. This can only be good for Bafana in years to come.

“We are really happy to have helped Luke and Portsmouth make this transfer, and of course for Varnamo to benefit from a club record deal is also good for them,” Moore said.

“We are thankful that Varnamo, despite being in difficult circumstances with their league position, did not stand in the way of Luke achieving a dream and this is an illustration that there’s always the chance of a successful outcome when all the parties approach a transfer in a positive way.

“Varnamo has been a good club to deal with and hopefully the funds that they receive from Luke’s transfer will contribute to them building a strong new team for the future.

“Most importantly in this year of the African Nations Cup and potentially the 2026 World Cup, we are really happy that our client (Luke) is playing in a good and competitive league, which will boost his chances of trying to secure a starting berth in the Bafana team and I’m sure will make Coach Hugo Broos also happy.

“Luke deserves this opportunity. He is a great professional, very dedicated and a good team man,” added Moore.

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