Transfer news: All Whites star returns to Victory

Melbourne Victory have bolstered their attacking stocks for the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League Season with the signing of New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses.

Barbarouses, who was part of Victory’s double-winning side of 2014/15, returns to the club after spending last season with Wellington Phoenix.

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He has played 73 games in the navy blue and will add to that tally after inking a two-year deal with Kevin Muscat’s squad.

The 27-year-old joins Socceroo Rhys Williams and young defender Thomas Deng as additions ahead of the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season.

“We’re extremely happy to have secured Kosta’s services again,” said Muscat.

“Kosta is a player who really complements the way we like to play and to be able to sign him for the next two years is a big boost so early in the recruiting process.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that his best years are still ahead of him, so he’ll be an important player as we navigate our way through a busy campaign that also includes AFC Champions League.

Barb scores
“I’m sure our fans will be thrilled with this news as the build up to next season continues,” added Muscat.

Barbarouses shared his coach’s excitement.

“This really couldn’t have worked out any better for me,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed some fantastic times at Melbourne Victory in the past and when the opportunity arose to return, I jumped at it.

“I’d also like to thank Wellington Phoenix for understanding my situation and the professional way they handled it. I certainly wish them all the best moving forward,” added Barbarouses.

Barbarouses is currently in camp with New Zealand and will be part of the All White’s Confederations Cup campaign. Therefore, a date for his arrival to pre-season training is yet to be determined.