Bafana Bafana midfielder joins Portsmouth

English championship side Portsmouth have officially announced the signing of South African international Luke Le Roux from Swedish top-tier club IFK Värnamo for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the EFL Championship side, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

Le Roux becomes the second South African player to join an English Championship club in 2025, following Stellenbosch FC academy graduate Tylon Smith’s move to Queens Park Rangers.

“Luke’s performances over the past few seasons have attracted attention from several clubs, so we’re delighted he’s chosen to join us. He brings international experience and fits the profile of what we were looking for,” head coach John Mousinho expressed his excitement on the Pompey website

“Luke is a holding midfielder who likes to sit deep and dictate play. He’s physically strong, composed on the ball, and exactly the type of player we needed in that role. I’m excited to see him in action.”

Le Roux began his professional career at SuperSport United in South Africa before moving to Sweden, where he featured for Varbergs BoIS. He later spent a season in the Dutch Eredivisie with FC Volendam, before joining IFK Värnamo in 2024.

In the 2024/25 season, Le Roux made 32 appearances, playing a key role in helping Värnamo retain their Allsvenskan status through the relegation play-offs.