Young Socceroo reportedly headed to German club

Promising midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler is reportedly set to join Bundesliga club FC Köln, marking a potential move for the 21-year-old Socceroo from Sydney FC.

European football journalists Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg reported a transfer fee of 1 million euros ($1.64 million) for the player, who impressed during Australia's World Cup campaign. A medical and signing are expected next week.

Okon-Engstler's potential transfer highlights a trend of emerging Socceroos attracting interest from larger European leagues. His teammate, 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, is reportedly weighing offers from top European clubs, including Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. Herrington's value is estimated at around $25 million, with Barcelona's initial bid of $8 million reportedly rejected by his current club, the Colorado Rapids.

Another teammate, 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda, has also seen his market value rise after showcasing flashes of brilliance in the World Cup. Irankunda is currently with English Championship club Watford, which has reportedly rejected a $16 million bid from Premier League side Hull City. Irankunda's estimated value is thought to be double that amount, with other English and Italian clubs also showing interest.