Cercle Brugge sign Bafana Bafana midfielder Luke Le Roux on free transfer

Cercle Brugge have signed South Africa midfielder Luke Le Roux on a free transfer, less than a week after he ended his spell with Portsmouth.

The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with the Belgian Pro League club, who confirmed the move on Tuesday.

“Cercle Brugge have strengthened their midfield with Luke Le Roux,” the club said. “The 26-year-old South African joins the Vereniging on a free transfer and has signed a two-year contract.”

Le Roux began his career in South Africa with SuperSport United before moving to Europe in 2020. He established himself as a regular starter at Swedish club Varbergs BoIS, making more than 100 appearances.

The midfielder subsequently spent a season in the Eredivisie with FC Volendam before returning to Sweden to play for IFK Varnamo.

He moved to England last season and featured in the Championship for Portsmouth, making 16 appearances. Le Roux was left without a club after parting company with the club last week.

Cercle Brugge technical director Luciano Murchio said Le Roux’s experience at international level and in competitive domestic leagues would strengthen the squad’s midfield options.

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

“With his speed, energy and quality in possession, he brings extra options to our midfield. He complements the profiles we already have in the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch in Green-Black.”

Cercle Brugge ended their announcement by welcoming the South African midfielder to the club.