Footballers earn more than $17 million in international transfer fees for Australian clubs

A-League clubs are being rewarded for investing in the development of players with millions of dollars in transfer fees.

International transfer fees received by Australian clubs for men’s footballers almost tripled across 2023-2024 to approximately $17.5 million, according to a Football Australia report.

The 125 per cent rise in fees has been hailed by FA chief executive officer James Johnson, who was also always confident that a “modern domestic transfer system” would “invigorate and drive the domestic football economy”.

“Our role has been to create an environment where clubs are incentivised to invest in the training and development of players, and it’s been pleasing to see clubs across the country, particularly in the A-League, embracing these reforms,” Johnson said following the release of the FA’s Football Transfer Report.

“Their hard work has delivered real rewards for clubs and our national teams alike.

“By building a transfer system that’s transparent, sustainable, and full of opportunities, we’re paving the way for a brighter future for our players, clubs, and fans.”

Reigning A-League men’s champions Central Coast Mariners topped the list for international transfer fees for a second successive season with seven, with Adelaide United next best with five.

Go well, @Joe_Gauci18 🙌🇦🇺 https://t.co/AwiwT37RJvpic.twitter.com/Ngor2Tj6Zg

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 4, 2024

Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci’s move in February from Adelaide to English Premier League club Aston Villa, which was reportedly worth $A2.5m plus add-ons, was the top international transfer fee for an Australian player.

A-League commissioner Nick Garcia praised clubs for their role in the increase of transfer fees.

“Our clubs have driven this growth through their continued investment in young Australian footballers through academies and development pathways since 2016, which has unearthed so many exciting players that have lit up our leagues and the national teams.” Garcia said. “Furthermore, the growth of the transfer fees generated is testament to the quality of the A-League, its clubs and players in the global football economy.

“We celebrate A-League players (from the men’s and women’s competitions) going on to play in some of the biggest clubs and leagues in the world, as well as for the Matildas and Socceroos, but also recognise the journey starts here.

“We will continue to work with the Australian football pyramid through domestic transfers to ensure as many young players are getting as many A-Leagues match minutes as possible to set them up for that journey and ensure the A-League continues to be the place to watch the domestic stars of today and the global stars of tomorrow”

Originally published as Footballers earn more than $17 million in international transfer fees for Australian clubs