Melbourne Victory have announced the departure of goalkeeper Paul Izzo, with the shot-stopper heading over to Europe in a deal that sees Victory receive a “considerable” transfer fee for his services.
A stand-out performer for the club over the past two seasons, the 29-year-old will now leave Victory to embark on a new journey overseas having re-established himself as one of the Isuzu UTE A-League’s premier glovemen.
“The past two seasons in Melbourne have been incredible and I want to thank everyone involved at the Club but more importantly, the members and fans for their support,” said Izzo, after news of his move to Europe was made official.
“For me, I’m looking forward to being able to take the next step in my career and test myself abroad again. It’s an exciting opportunity for me and a challenge I’m ready to take on in my journey.”
After joining Victory in 2021 following a spell with Greek side Xanthi FC, Izzo went on to play 50 Isuzu UTE A-League matches and his excellent domestic performances subsequently saw him recognised with a re-call to the Socceroos set-up.
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“It’s a great opportunity for Paul to make a mark in European club football and further enhance his chances of entrenching himself as a Socceroo,” said Melbourne Victory’s Director of Football, John Didulica.
“Given Paul’s role in our memorable season and Finals Series, it’s obviously disappointing to lose him but we are proud to facilitate the move and confident the squad and its goalkeeping stocks will be just as strong going into the season.
“Paul is now the third Melbourne Victory player after Nick D’Agostino and Academy graduate Franco Lino to move into European club football for a considerable transfer fee in the past 18 months.
He added: “Everybody involved at the Club should be incredibly proud of being able to create these opportunities for Melbourne Victory players, built on the back of great performances for our Club.”
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Falling just short of Championship glory, Izzo played a key role in helping Tony Popovic’s Melbourne Victory side reach the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final in Season 2023-24, where they were beaten 3-1 by Central Coast Mariners after Extra Time.
Key to that run to the Grand Final was Izzo’s performance in the Elimination Final against cross-town rivals Melbourne City.
Having already saved one penalty during the 90-minutes, the shotstopper then saved THREE more spot-kicks in the resulting penalty shoot out before dispatching his own effort beyond City keeper Jamie Young to help his side progress through to the Semi-Finals, where they would eventually overcome Wellington Phoenix over two legs.
Izzo’s departure comes less than 24 hours after Victory announced the arrival of experienced A-Leagues goalkeeper Jack Duncan following his exit from Wellington Phoenix.
