Luke Le Roux joins Cercle Brugge on a two-year deal after leaving Portsmouth

Bafana Bafana midfielder Luke Le Roux has joined Belgian Pro League club Cercle Brugge on a free transfer, just one week after leaving his previous English Championship side by mutual consent.

The 26-year-old was confirmed as a Cercle Brugge player on Thursday, ending a brief period without a club. He has signed a two-year contract with the Belgian side.

“Luke Le Roux (26) strengthens the green-black midfield. The nine-time South African international has signed for two seasons with the Association,” Cercle Brugge said in a statement.

Le Roux becomes the latest South African player to continue his career in Europe, having already represented clubs in Sweden, the Netherlands and England since moving abroad.

Cercle Brugge technical director Luciano Murchio said the midfielder’s international experience and previous time in competitive leagues would strengthen the squad.

“Luke is a player with valuable experience, both as an international and in competitive competitions such as the Swedish Allsvenskan and the Championship,” Murchio said.

“With his speed, energy and quality on the ball, he brings extra possibilities to our midfield. He complements the profiles we already have in the core well, and we look forward to seeing him on the field in Green-Black.”

Le Roux began his European career with Varbergs BoIS before later playing for FC Volendam and IFK Varnamo. He then moved to England, where he represented Portsmouth.

His departure from his previous club was agreed last week, but Cercle Brugge moved quickly to secure his services and provide him with a new opportunity in the Belgian Pro League.

The midfielder has won nine caps for South Africa. At Cercle Brugge, he will join a team that sees his pace, energy and ability in possession as qualities that can add further options in midfield.