Melbourne Victory full-back Franco Lino has joined Norwegian outfit Viking FK for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old academy graduate will link up with Australian trio Nick D’Agostino (formerly of Victory), Patrick Yazbek and Gianni Stensness at the Eliteserien club, who finished fourth in Norway’s top flight last season.
It is “an incredible story” after Lino – who joined Victory’s academy as a 12-year-old – signed a scholarship contract at the start of 2023-24 and made seven Isuzu UTE A-League appearances this term.
He had spent the previous two seasons as a mainstay in Victory’s NPL Victoria senior team.
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“It’s a proud moment for everyone at Melbourne Victory,” Victory’s director of football John Didulica.
“Franco is a wonderful young man and to see someone who has been at the club from a young age not only make their debut with the A-League Men’s side but secure a move to Europe is exciting for the entire club.
“Franco’s journey to professional football has been an incredible story. He made a huge commitment every day to work within our Academy and now, he has been able to sign a professional contract, make his A-League debut and secure a move abroad all within a few months. In many ways, this is only the end of the beginning for Franco’.
“Franco follows the path of Nick D’Agostino, who joined Viking last season, and we look forward to continuing to build effective pathways for young players to achieve their aspirations of playing football professionally in Australia and abroad.”
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Lino added: “This is an exciting opportunity for me to head over to Europe and I want to thank everyone at Melbourne Victory who has helped me on this journey.
“Melbourne Victory has played a major role in my life. I will be forever grateful for my time at Victory and hope the squad achieves the ultimate success this season.”
