Brisbane Roar are delighted to confirm the signing of Keegan Jelacic on loan from Belgian Pro League side K.A.A Gent for the remainder of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 21-year-old, Queensland born attacking midfielder who has represented Australia at U23 level returns to the club where he made his A-League debut.
Jelacic arrives in Brisbane after spending the first half of the 2023/24 season on loan in the Norwegian top-flight, where he made eight appearances for Stabæk Fotball.
The midfielder earned a move to Europe after a break-out A-League campaign with Perth Glory last season, where he established himself as one of the competition’s most exciting young players- scoring two goals and bagging four assists across 22 appearances in the West.
Jelacic’s performances in Perth were rewarded with a call-up to the Olyroos for whom he has made four appearances.
Jelacic, who spent time two seasons in the Roar youth set up and also played locally with Rochedale Rovers, Brisbane Strikers, Lions FC and Olympic FC made his A-League debut for the Roar in 2021, making two appearances off the bench that season.
After his previous stint in Brisbane, Jelacic joined Olympic in the NPL Queensland where he played for Roar Head Coach, Ben Cahn scoring nine goals in eleven league appearances and earning a move back to the A-League after half a season at Goodwin Park.
Jelacic, who will wear the number 23 jersey said he was excited to be back in Brisbane.
“It’s good to be back, I know a few of the boys so it’s good to see some familiar faces. There’s no place like home to be honest,” Jelacic said
“Ben (Cahn) being here was big for me, I was with Ben at Olympic and I know he has great confidence in me as a player, wants to play exciting, attacking football and lets me shine on the pitch.
“A big aim for me is to make the Olympic squad, so I want to have a big season and help the team get as many points as possible and push into the top six.”
