Melbourne Victory have confirmed defender Sebastian Esposito won’t be returning to the club for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 21-year-old joined Victory ahead of the 25/26 campaign on loan from Italian Serie A side Lecce and quickly became an integral part of the club’s defence.
Esposito started 22 of 24 games for Victory last season, scoring two goals in the process, but now returns to Italy in a bid to secure first team football during the 2026/27 campaign.
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“Sebastian was a fantastic contributor last season, and it was reaffirming to see his growth as a player and leader within our environment,” said Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica.
“We wish him nothing but the best in his return to Europe and know he has a great career ahead of him.”
Whilst Esposito departing the club is no doubt a blow Victory and new Head Coach Giovanni Savarese have been busy recruiting new defenders ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Former Premier League defender Tom Lockyer has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal having joined from English Football League side Bristol Rovers.
Lockyer brings with him a wealth of experience having captained Luton Town in the Premier League as well as playing 16 times for Wales at international level.
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Meanwhile Victory have also signed German central defender Phillip Ziereis on a two-year deal ahead of the new season.
The 33-year-old arrives in Melbourne after a lengthy career in Germany and Austria, where he amassed more than 150 appearances for St. Pauli before spells with Austrian Bundesliga outfit LASK and most recently German second-tier club SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
