Newly-promoted Hull City have reached a club-to-club agreement in principle with Colorado Rapids over the transfer of 18-year-old Australian defender Lucas Herrington, in a deal that could be worth up to £17m.

The Premier League newcomers have agreed to pay an upfront fee of around $17million (£12.6m), plus a further $6million (£4.4m) in add-ons for the highly-rated centre-back. Colorado Rapids will retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause on any future transfer profit.

Personal terms have not yet been finalised but are not believed to present an obstacle for the proposed move. Herrington's contract with the Rapids runs until 2029, with the option of a further year.

Rising Star with World Cup Experience

Herrington moved to Colorado from Brisbane Roar before the 2026 MLS season and has been a regular starter, making 17 MLS appearances this campaign. The teenager made his senior international debut for Australia in March and was named in the Socceroos' 2026 World Cup squad.

He impressed in his two starts at the tournament — against Paraguay in the group stages and Egypt in the last-32 — but was at the centre of controversy after missing a decisive penalty in the shootout against Egypt as Australia exited the competition. The decision to allow an 18-year-old to take such a pressure penalty attracted criticism at full time.

European Interest

Herrington's performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe. The Athletic reported in June that Barcelona had seen an opening bid for the Australia international rejected, while sources indicated Liverpool had also sent scouts to watch him this season.

Colorado Rapids' Track Record

The Rapids have established themselves as one of the better MLS clubs at developing young players and selling them on for significant fees. The club previously sold Canada defender Moise Bombito to Nice for an initial $7.7million fee, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause in 2024 — an MLS-record fee for a centre-back at the time.

Hull's Return to the Top Flight

Hull were promoted to the Premier League last season via the Championship play-offs and will play in the top flight for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. The signing of Herrington signals the club's ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to English football's elite, with the teenager representing both immediate reinforcement and long-term investment.