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Perth Glory youngster Keegan Jelacic close to deal with Belgian club after breakout A-League Men season

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Ben SmithThe West Australian
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Keegan Jelacic is on the cusp of a move to Europe.
Camera IconKeegan Jelacic is on the cusp of a move to Europe. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Perth Glory young gun Keegan Jelacic is on the precipice of sealing a major deal with a European club after dazzling in his first season with the team.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder only joined the club last year, but after a bright A-League campaign, looks set to head to Belgium.

The West Australian understands Perth Glory have accepted an undisclosed offer for Jelacic, who played 22 games after joining from Queensland last off-season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Keegan Jelacic of the Glory is tackled by Jerry Skotadis of Macarthur FC during the round 22 A-League Men's match between Perth Glory and Macarthur FC at Macedonia Park, on April 01, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Camera IconKeegan Jelacic is on the cusp of a move to Europe. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

It is understood the Young Socceroo will sign for a team in the Belgian Pro League, subject to him passing a medical.

Jelacic has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past 10 months, going from starring for Olympic FC in the NPL Queensland to starting 21 games in a row for Perth.

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Having made just two senior A-League Men appearances for Brisbane Roar prior to heading west, Jelacic proved to be a revelation for the Glory this season, scoring twice and providing four assists.

After initially inking a two-year deal with the club, Jelacic extended his contract by another year mid-season after a strong of run form.

Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich spoke highly of Jelacic throughout the season, calling him one of the best young talents in the country.

“I’ve got a very, very high opinion of young Keegan and I’m firmly focused and optimistic about helping him reach the very top levels of football,” Zadkovich said in February.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Keegan Jelacic of Perth Glory in action during the round 19 A-League Men's match between Western United and Perth Glory at Mars Stadium, on March 04, 2023, in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)
Camera IconJelacic is set to sign in Belgium. Credit: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

“He has massive physical capabilities and that, paired with an unbelievable technical ability on the ball, makes him quite clearly one of the brightest young talents in the country in my eyes.

“The scary part is, he has so many areas for improvement and his drive from within to improve is massive.”

Jelacic is eligible for both New Zealand and Australia at international level, but was involved in a Young Socceroos camp in March.

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