A-League Men: Perth Glory midfielder Rhys Bozinovski signs for Heracles AlmeloBen SmithThe West AustralianWed, 4 February 2026 10:09AMEmail Ben Smith
Perth Glory have bade a fond farewell to midfielder Rhys Bozinovski after Dutch Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo side snapped up the 21 year-old for an understood to be six-figure fee.
It is a shrewd bit of business from Glory, who signed Bozinovski as a free agent from financially-impacted Western United less than five months ago and have promptly cashed in on the rising star’s value.
Bozinovski, who has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Eredivise relegation-battlers, arrived in Perth in September on an initial two-year deal after four seasons as Western United.
Heracles coach Ernst Faber previously served as Adelaide United’s technical director, and The West Australian understands the Dutch club agreed a fee worth more than $450,000 to secure Bozinovski’s services.
The midfielder will join Socceroos attacking midfielder Ajdin Hrustic at Heracles, while Faber is also reportedly eager to sign Adelaide’s Young Socceroos centre-back Panagiotis Kikianis.
Bozinovski started all 14 of his appearances as a constant presence in the middle of the park and Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis paid tribute to the departing young talent.
“I’ve always said that Rhys is a future Socceroo and we would have loved to have kept him for longer but obviously this is a big opportunity for him to advance his career by playing in a high-quality European league,” he said.
“We fought hard to sign him initially and while the club will benefit from this move, we watch him leave with a heavy heart.
“We’d like to thank Rhys for his contribution to the club during his time with us and wish him all the very best for the future.”
While Bozinovski’s departure is a blow, Perth are well stocked in the middle of the park.
Fellow young gun Will Freney has impressed all season long alongside Bozinovski, while teenage academy graduate Gio De Abreu has turned heads and quickly won the respect of coach Adam Griffiths.
Bozinovski’s exit could also open a door for out-of-favour Englishman Luke Amos, while veterans Callum Timmins and Brandon O’Neill are also options.
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