Left Midfielder

Ajdin Hrustic

Ajdin Hrustic grew up in Melbourne, Australia, as a young player with a great left foot and real talent. Premier Football UK staff were in Australia, saw that talent for themselves and brought him to England for trials.

His story shows that a trial does not have to end in an instant deal to change a player’s career.

Trials in England

Premier Football UK organised trials for Ajdin at Stoke City FC, Burton Albion FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Everton FC, Derby County FC and Mansfield Town FC. Those trials did not bring an immediate deal in England, and many young players would have gone home at that point.

Ajdin and his family did not. They stayed in England for a long time, showing patience and character because they believed in his talent.

Trials are a shop window. Even when a club does not sign a player on the day, people in the game see his quality and his potential to become a professional.

Spotted in England, Then On to Europe

It was in England that Ajdin was identified. After a spell at FK Austria Wien, a licensed agent took him to FC Schalke 04 in Germany, one of the best-known academies in European football.

In 2014 he moved to FC Groningen in the Netherlands, and in June 2015 he signed his first professional contract with the club. He made his first-team debut for FC Groningen in April 2017, and two weeks later scored his first goal for the club with a long-range shot against PEC Zwolle.

Bundesliga Football and a European Trophy

In September 2020 Ajdin signed for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. On 18 May 2022 Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers FC on penalties in the UEFA Europa League final, and Ajdin scored in the shoot-out.

He became the first Australian player to win the Europa League. He went on to play in Italy with Hellas Verona FC and US Salernitana 1919, and in the Netherlands again with Heracles Almelo. In July 2026 he joined Al Nasr SC in the United Arab Emirates.

Two World Cups with Australia

Ajdin chose to play for Australia, the country where he was born. He made his senior debut against Brazil in 2017 and was part of Australia’s squad at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

In June 2022 he scored in the penalty shoot-out against Peru that sent Australia to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he came off the bench in three matches. He was then named in Australia’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his second World Cup.

What Young Players Can Learn from Ajdin

A trial without an offer is not the end. Ajdin did not sign in England, but he was seen there, and his career kept moving forward.

Patience and family support matter. His family stayed in England and gave him time to find the right club.

Being seen is important. Trials put your talent in front of people who can help you.

Keep improving. Every step, from academy football to the Europa League, was earned with hard work.

Could You Be Next?

Ajdin’s journey from Melbourne to trials in England, then to Europe and two World Cups, shows what determination and the right platform can do. If you want to test yourself at UK football trials with Premier Football UK, we can help you take the next step. Register now for a football trial.