Australian goalkeeper commits to Huddersfield Town until at least 2026
- Nicholas Bilokapic signs long-term contract extension
- B Team ‘keeper committed until 2026, Club option for 2027
- Comments from Leigh Bromby and Paul Clements
B Team goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic has committed his future to Town, extending his contract with the Club until at least 2026!
Currently out on loan with Hartlepool United, the 19-year-old Australian youth international was a regular amongst the First Team substitutes during the opening half of the 2021/22 season. Making his senior debut against Burnley in the Emirates FA Cup earlier this season as a first half substitute, the 6’5 goalkeeper didn’t concede in the time he spent on the field.
Agreeing a new long-term contract extension with Town, he has signed until at least summer 2026, with the Club holding an option for an additional year until summer 2027.
Keeping him at Canalside until his mid-20s, Bilokapic has impressed in his B Team appearances, with his comfort on the ball and command of his area particular assets. A strong shot stopper, he has a calming influence on his defence and rarely looks flustered or rushed, which are all traits on which he can build going forward.
Bilokapic initially joined the Club in 2020 on a two-year scholarship having impressed while on trial, before signing his first professional contract later that year. Having been capped at Under-17 level for Australia and travelled to the U17 World Cup with his country in 2019, his involvement internationally has been greatly hindered by the pandemic.
Head of Goalkeeping Paul Clements commented:
“Nick showed our supporters the talent he has when he came on against Burnley, and we want to manage that talent over the next few years. Developing goalkeepers is a long-term project, we’re in no rush – Lee Nicholls is a great example of how ‘keepers mature as they get older.
“This deal rewards Nick for the progress he’s made since joining the Club and adds to the strong group of young goalkeepers at the Club. The programme that we’ve built to develop our ‘keepers, so this is the natural next progression for Nick.”
Head of Football Operations Leigh Bromby added:
“Nick has conducted himself really well this season around the First Team, and has been an example to other B Team and Academy players of the possibilities available when you apply yourself.
“To echo what Clem has said, we have a very strong group of young goalkeepers developing with the Club now, and that puts us in a great position for the future.”
