Sydney FC teenager Akol Akon is out to follow in the footsteps of Socceroos gun Lucas Herrington after signing a multi-million dollar deal with MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.
But the 17-year-old will remain at the Sky Blues for the coming season after being loaned back to the ALM team.
Akon's move to Herrington's former club comes after playing 15 games in his debut professional season, including last season's grand final against Auckland.
The winger became the youngest player to play and start in an ALM decider, taking to the pitch in the eventual 1-0 loss two days after his 17th birthday.
His rapid rise paralleled Herrington's own on the international stage after the Brisbane teenager's impressive World Cup stint earned him a move to English Premier League outfit Hull City.
Herrington's record-breaking transfer to Hull City is believed to be a record transfer fee for an Australian player, with the Rapids selling the 19-year-old for a reported $A30 million.
Describing Akon's deal as "record-breaking", the Sky Blues could net more depending on the success of the move.
Yet to earn his maiden Socceroos call-up, Akon will be looking to truly emulate Herrington when he finally links up with the Rapids.
"I credit a lot of my improvement over the past year to the club and the leadership of head coach Patrick Kisnorbo," Akon said in a club statement.
"I'm excited to see what the future brings and how my career will develop in the United States.
"I owe so much to this team, I've loved representing the Sky Blues, and I'm looking forward to giving my all this season and leaving Sydney on a high."
Akol's move is a further blow to cross-town rivals Western Sydney, who had let the Wanderers academy product slip to the Sky Blues.
He holds the record as Sydney's youngest men's player, making his debut at 16 years, 2 months, and 20 days last season.
Sky Blues coach Kisnorbo was full of praise for the teenage phenom.
"He has great potential to play at the highest level and a bright future ahead of him," Kisnorbo said.
"This move to the Colorado Rapids is the next chapter in what I believe will be a long and successful career.
"Akol has really come into his own not only as a player but as a young man in the past year."
