World Cup heroics seal Socceroos star’s big overseas move
Fresh off his World Cup heroics, Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach has landed a major overseas move, signing with French Ligue 1 side Troyes.
Beach was a shock starter in the Socceroos’ first World Cup match against Türkiye but rewarded coach Tony Popovic’s faith with a superb showing.
Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach – a graduate of the Glenmore Park Football Club – celebrates a 2-0 victory over Turkey. Getty Images
He was selected in every World Cup match from there before being controversially substituted for Mat Ryan in the penalty shootout against Egypt, which the Socceroos lost.
Beach was on the radar of 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 and confirmed to reporters after the Egypt match there was interest in his services.
However, Troyes swept in with Beach opting to leave Melbourne City and play in one of Europe’s top leagues.
“The last three years at Melbourne City have shaped me so much, both as a player and as a person,” Beach said in a statement.
“This club has given me the opportunity to challenge myself every day, improve my game and ultimately fulfil my dream of representing the Socceroos and Australia at the FIFA World Cup. I’ll always be incredibly grateful for that.
“My teammates, coaches and all the staff have played such an important role in my journey, and I’ll leave with friendships and memories that I’ll carry with me forever.
“I want to thank everyone at Melbourne City, and especially our fans, for the support they’ve shown me from the moment I arrived. I’ll always look back on my time here with enormous pride.”
Melbourne City director of football Michael Petrillo commended Beach’s attitude during his time at the club.
“Patrick’s journey at Melbourne City is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when talent is matched with hard work, resilience and the right environment,” he said.
“From the day he arrived, Patrick embraced every challenge. Nothing was handed to him and he earned every opportunity through his commitment to improving every day.”
Melbourne City did not reveal the transfer fee paid by Troyes. The 22-year-old’s deal at the French club runs until the end of the 2031 season.
The last Australian to play for Troyes was Nicky Carle in the 2002/03 season.
Beach isn’t the only Socceroo to have made a move after the World Cup with Cam Devlin switching from Hearts to Rangers in Scotland.
Paul Okon-Engstler is reportedly set to join 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga.
