Motherwell confirm signing of Socceroos striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos
A Socceroos striker’s move to the Scottish Premiership from the A-League has been confirmed.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Socceroos striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has declared he’s “here to score goals” after completing his move to Scottish Premiership club Motherwell.
As reported last week, the 25-year-old former Newcastle Jets marksman has made the move to Scotland to further his chances of retaining his spot in Australia’s squad on the qualifying journey to the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Stamatelopoulos has signed a three-year contract with Motherwell, with the Jets securing a transfer fee reportedly worth $501,000.
“It’s great to finally say I’m a Motherwell player,” Adelaide product Stamatelopoulos told his new club’s website.
“It’s been a long journey to get here but I can now focus on making an impact. I’m here to score goals, that’s my job. I will do my best to fulfil that.
“The boys have been brilliant and it’s been great meeting all the staff. I can’t wait to see what’s in store ahead.”
Nobody seen this one coming 🇦🇺
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) July 30, 2024
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has arrived.
Stamatelopoulos said he “got a real feel for the place” watching Motherwell play Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup at Fir Park on Monday morning (AEST).
Despite being beaten in a penalty shootout after neither side scored in regulation time, Motherwell still finished top of Group G to advance to the last 16.
“Seeing all the fans together and the boys playing, I just wanted to get out there,” said Stamatelopoulos, who scored 17 goals in 25 appearances for the Jets last season.
It was that form that earnt him selection in the A-League All-Stars team.
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “We’ve been looking to bring someone in who is a goalscorer. Apostolos has qualities that we’re looking to add to the squad.
“Last season, he performed exceptionally. In the team of the season, the All-Stars game and earning his first international cap is all things he got because of his performances.
“It’s a good bit of business for the club.”
Motherwell starts its Scottish Premiership campaign at home this Sunday (AEST) against Ross County.
Originally published as Motherwell confirm signing of Socceroos striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos
Socceroo being ‘treated like a proper player’ again
A star Socceroo who is much happier after a change of clubs in England is intent on helping Australia bouncing back after a shock loss to Bahrain.
Socceroos road to 2026 World Cup set to get even harder
Socceroos midfielder Keanu Baccus says he only expects qualifying for this and future World Cups to get harder as more and more Asian countries invest more into national football teams.