Adrian Segecic has joined the Dutch Eerste Divisie club FC Dordrecht on a season-long loan from Sydney FC.
The 19-year-old’s story is being chronicled as part of The Athletic ’s My Football Journey: The Road to the 2026 World Cup series, with Segecic’s first taste of European football considered a critical stage in the young attacking midfielder’s development.
“This is a great chance to improve and develop my ability in a different country, against different players, and to continue my education in a different culture and new settings,” said the teenager.
“Dutch football is amongst the most progressive and forward thinking in the world and I’m sure I will return a better player and person from the experience.”
Segecic joined the Sydney academy in 2016 and has made 28 senior appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
The Australia youth international, a mainstay of the Under-20s set-up who reached the quarter-finals of the junior AFC Championship earlier this year, signed a three-year contract with Sydney FC at the start of last season and follows a well-trodden path of the Australian club’s players being offered the chance to gain experience in Europe.
Segecic playing for Sydney FC against Melbourne City in the A-League semi-finals in May (Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Dordrecht, who have former Sydney FC centre-half Pascal Bosschaart as assistant manager and run a player partnership with Feyenoord, are winless to date this term in the Dutch second tier having claimed two points from their three matches.
“A year in Holland, learning to play in a different environment and in a new league, will be a fantastic experience for Adrian which can only be good for him and for Sydney FC,” said the Australian club’s head coach, Steve Corica.
“I’m certain he will return a better player having the chance of consistent first team football and it is something we will reap the rewards from next season.”
GO DEEPER
Adrian Segecic, My Football Journey: ‘Missing the last penalty for my country was tough’
(Top photo: Sydney FC)
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