Former Socceroo striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is poised to return to the A-League after parting ways with Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. The 27-year-old forward is reportedly a target for at least three A-League clubs, with Macarthur FC emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature.
Stamatelopoulos joined Motherwell in July 2024 after an impressive season with the Newcastle Jets, where he scored 17 goals. During his time in Scotland, he made 43 appearances and scored 12 goals. Reflecting on his departure, Stamatelopoulos expressed gratitude for the support he received at Motherwell, describing the club’s fans, staff, and players as welcoming and supportive. He indicated that the decision to leave was motivated by the right timing to move on from the club.
The striker earned his only cap for the Australian national team in June 2024, entering as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Palestine in Perth. Prior to his stint at Motherwell, Stamatelopoulos spent a loan period at Sydney FC last season. His A-League career began in October 2017 with Adelaide United, and he has also played for Western United. Internationally, he has experience in Greece, having played for Rodos and PAS Giannina.
If Stamatelopoulos joins Macarthur FC, he will be among several new recruits at the club. The Bulls have strengthened their squad with the acquisitions of former Western Sydney winger Ryan Fraser, ex-Randers striker Musa Toure, and former Central Coast defender Nathan Paull. Additionally, they have signed Ben Gibson and Kosta Grozos, both previously with Newcastle Jets.
Other recent additions to Macarthur FC include the return of centre-back Jonathan Asprotopamitis from South Korean club Pohang Steelers, as well as attackers Kai Kennedy, Connor Pain, and Jing Reec. The club has also brought in Japanese defender Tatsuki Nara, who arrived on loan from J1 League side Avispa Fukuoka.
Macarthur’s current head coach is Sasa Ognenovski, who took charge following the departure of former coach Mile Sterjovski last month. The club’s active recruitment signals an ambition to enhance their competitiveness ahead of the upcoming A-League season.