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Luke Le Roux, PortsmouthPortsmouth
Kiplagat Sang

Bafana Bafana star and former Kaizer Chiefs transfer target Luke Le Roux completes move to former English and FA Cup champions ahead of 2025 AFCON

The move means the 25-year-old midfielder, who had attracted interest from Amakhosi, will not return to SA.

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  • Bafana star moves to England
  • Signs three-year deal
  • Move subject to international clearance
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bafana Bafana midfielder Luke Le Roux has signed for English Championship side Portsmouth FC from IFK Varnamo of Sweden.

    Portsmouth have confirmed that the former SuperSport United midfielder has signed a three-year deal with them. However, this move is subject to international clearance and a work permit being issued.

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  • WHAT MOUSINHO SAID

    Portsmouth boss John Mousinho explains why he signed the South African.

    “Luke's form over the past couple of seasons means he not only found himself on our radar but also that of a number of other clubs," Mousinho told the club's website.

    “So we’re delighted that he’s agreed to join Pompey, and we’ve brought in an experienced international player."

  • Luke Le Roux of IFK VärnamoLuke Le Roux on Instagram

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The 25-year-old, who has been in Europe for the past five seasons, is a product of the Ikapa Sporting youth academy, from where he nurtured his talent before he signed for the now defunct SuperSport United.

    His first European club was Varbergs BoIS, which he signed for in 2020, and he featured for the Swedish top-tier side 97 times.

    He then signed for FC Volendam of the Netherlands in 2023, and after just one season with them, he returned to Sweden and signed for IFK Varnamo in July 2024.

    A move to the Championship means he joins African champion Tylon Smith, who was signed by Queens Park Rangers.

    The Bafana star has been under the radar of the Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs, and a return to the PSL is now impossible, as he has preferred the former FA and English champions.

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  • Hugo Broos, South AfricaBackpage

    WHAT NEXT FOR LE ROUX?

    For the 2025/26 season, Le Roux will serve in a different league with different challenges.

    His top priority will be to settle fast and probably go on to stamp authority in the team, thereby making himself a regular starter for Portsmouth.

    His performance in the Championship will also determine whether Bafana head coach Hugo Broos will consider him for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals that will start later this year.

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