Melbourne Victory have announced the return of 19-year-old left-back Franco Lino on loan from Norwegian side FK Viking for the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season.
After 18 months abroad, Lino is back at the Victory, the club he joined at age 12 where he made six Isuzu UTE A-League appearances before earning a move to Europe.
“Franco is a talented young footballer and someone who we look forward to welcoming back to the dressing room,” Victory boss Arthur Diles said.
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“His arrival ahead of our 2025/26 campaign is exciting and we look forward to continuing his development by instilling a winning mentality. I have no doubt that Franco can bring his best to the team, contribute each week, and help us as we aim to go one better than we did last season.”
Lino added: “Coming back to Victory, it’s an exciting opportunity knowing I’ll be back on the pitch with the biggest club in the league with the best fans in Australia.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Melbourne and doing my part. I’ve learned a lot overseas and want to bring those experiences to the next stage of my career and help the Club build to the success that everyone deserves.”
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The teenage defender is the third arrival at Victory this transfer window following the signings of Keegan Jelacic and Louis D’Arrigo, while the club have cashed in on a trio of stars with Daniel Arzani, Kasey Boy and Ryan Teague earning high-profile moves to Europe.
After reaching the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final last term, the club will be seeking to go one better, with their preparations for the new campaign beginning with a friendly against global sensation Wrexham FC on July 11.
