Portsmouth and QPR have quietly built a strong Aussie presence in their squads over the last 2 seasons – a shift sparked by changing work-permit policies and a desire to be at the forefront of an undervalued Australian market. With the A-League producing increasingly export-ready talent and more Aussies plying their trade in Europe, Championship clubs are starting to see the value in acting early. Most clubs in the EFL today heavily rely on analytics-driven recruitment with a smaller budget, which is why the Australian market presents a rare combination of affordability and upside.
Red Tape Removed
Much of this shift can be attributed to changes in FA work-permit regulations. Australia's elevation to GBE Band 5 in mid-2024 significantly eased Championship eligibility, cutting through much of the red tape that previously restricted A-League players from moving to England. Before 2024, many Australian players struggled to meet the strict points threshold for a work permit. Now, even young talents from Australia often qualify automatically – making it far easier for EFL clubs to scout and sign them.
Take Kealey Adamson, for example. The 22-year-old right back earned Macarthur FC’s Player of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign before sealing his move to QPR. Under the previous system, it is likely he would not have met the points threshold, as he has only featured 29 times in the A-League and has yet to receive an international cap. Additionally, the reported £250k transfer fee would have been too low to justify a UK work permit on its own. However, with the new changes, young and developing talents like Adamson can seamlessly cross leagues and find their feet in an ever-changing EFL landscape.
Portsmouth Potential
Portsmouth have been the most aggressive club in the market, signing five Australians since 2023—Kusini Yengi, Jacob Farrell, Thomas Waddingham, Hayden Matthews, and Adrian Segecic—at an average age of just 21.5 and a total cost of around £2 million. The club is clearly betting on youth and potential, tapping into the Australian market which offers a rare combination of affordability and emerging talent.
Among the group, Adrian Segečić stands out as a marquee addition. The versatile attacker netted 13 goals in 24 league appearances for Sydney FC last season, averaging 0.44 xG per 90, and ranked among the most efficient U21 players globally. His form drew interest from clubs across Europe, but Portsmouth moved quickly to seal the deal — a statement of intent in a market becoming increasingly competitive.
🚨🌕| Clubs from the Premier League, Scotland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Austria and the USA are rivalling Portsmouth for Adrian Segecic's signature. 🌍✨
— AusFootHQ (@ALeagueHQ) June 16, 2025
[@pn_mark_mcmahon] pic.twitter.com/zBGNCkWvi3
Copycats?
QPR have followed suit, making their own moves into the Australian talent pool with the signings of Daniel Bennie, Jaylen Pearman and Kealey Adamson over the past two seasons. A combined outlay of an estimated £400k represents excellent business for three players who impressed in limited A-League minutes and were all flagged as breakout prospects. While Bennie and Adamson offer promise in their respective roles, it's Pearman who has turned the most heads.
The Perth Glory product was one of the breakout stars of the 2024/25 A-League season, combining attacking flair with end product. His ability to glide past players, strike from range, and create in tight spaces made him a consistent threat — and a natural fit for QPR’s fluid attacking setup. Being surrounded by the likes of Chair, Dembele, Poku and Vale will only help him to adapt to life in England's second tier and also to refine his game.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of talents like Segečić, Pearman, and Adamson could mark just the start of a broader shift. With work-permit barriers easing and the A-League producing increasingly polished, export-ready players, clubs across the EFL are beginning to recognise the value of early moves in the Australian market. Portsmouth and QPR have positioned themselves as frontrunners in this ever-developing market. If their bets on youth and upside pay off, the “A-League invasion” may soon become a full-scale migration — with Aussie talent no longer seen as a gamble, but a respected method of smart Championship recruitment.
