Oliver Jones the latest A-League defender set for move to Europe

European clubs continue to show interest in emerging A-League defenders during the January transfer window.

Another young Australian defender is set to leave the A-League for Europe.

Hot on the heels of confirmation of 20-year-old Socceroos centre-back Hayden Matthews’ move to English Championship club Portsmouth from Sydney FC, Macarthur FC defender Oliver Jones has agreed to terms on a five-year deal with Danish outfit Randers.

Jones, who turns 22 next week, had only this month extended his Macarthur contract by a further three years.

However, it’s understood the Bulls have agreed to sell Jones for an up-front fee of about $400,000.

Randers are third in the Danish Superliga, with their squad already including Australian pair Paul Izzo and Mohamed Toure.

Jones’s exit also continues the Bulls’ busy work in the transfer window.

Macarthur has also sold attacker Ariath Piol to American Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake for about $830,000, while Bulls winger Jed Drew is closing in on a move to Austrian outfit TSV Hartberg.

Another Jed x Valere link-up is the @pennytel Play of the Match for Round 16 🤝
#WeAreTheBullspic.twitter.com/XxbRH6z9Mi

— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) January 26, 2025

Meanwhile, Matthews said his decision to sign with Portsmouth was a “no-brainer”.

“It feels amazing and I’m really excited to be here,” he told his new club’s website following his reported $2.5m move.

“There was interest in the (off-season) and we did our research and thought this club was a good fit, but unfortunately it didn’t work out, so when they came back in for me this month, it was a bit of a no-brainer, even if it was tough to say goodbye to everyone at Sydney.

“I know the step up is going to be tough and we’ll have to work hard for every point, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Matthews’ new teammates include Australian trio Kusini Yengi, Jacob Farrell and Thomas Waddingham, who scored in his Portsmouth debut in a 5-1 weekend loss to West Bromwich Albion.

“I’ve heard great things about the group and there are a few Aussies here already to help make the transition easier,” Matthews said.

Socceroos defender Hayden Matthews is excited to join Portsmouth. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Elsewhere, Sydney FC is close to signing Alex Popovic on a permanent deal from South Korean club Gwangju.

Popovic, 22, has been at the Sky Blues on loan since the start of the season.

In other transfer window news, former Australian under-23 representative Lachlan Jackson has been linked with a move to Melbourne Victory after parting ways with South Korean club Suwon.

The 29-year-old former Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets defender joined Suwon in 2021 and made 87 appearances in all competitions for the K-League club.

“After nearly four years in Korea, my journey comes to a close,” Jackson posted on Instagram.

“An incredible experience working with some amazing people. A huge thank you to the fans and Suwon FC for making this time so special.”

Meanwhile., former Jets, Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix left-back James McGarry is set to move, on loan initially, from Scottish club Aberdeen to Greek top-flight outfit Athens Kallithea.

Originally published as Oliver Jones the latest A-League defender set for move to Europe