Transfer news: seven players released by Victory

​Melbourne Victory has confirmed on Friday that seven players from the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season squad will depart the club.

Among the departures are defender Nick Ansell, playmaker Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Spanish import Alan Baro, and youngster Rashid Mahazi.

Head here for Victory’s official website

Striker George Howard, reserve keeper Alastair Bray and Lucas Spinella also join Daniel Georgievski (Newcastle Jets) as players moving on from the squad lost Sunday’s Hyundai Grand Final on penalties to Sydney FC.

“It’s always tough at this time of year because, inevitably, you have to farewell players,” said coach Kevin Muscat.

“The boys leave with our best wishes and we sincerely thank each of them for their contribution.

Melbourne Victory's Spanish defender Alan Baro has given the Hyundai A-League Finals Series system the thumbs up.

“We will now begin the process of sourcing and recruiting some exciting new faces as we build towards the 2017/18 season.”

Ansell, Ben Khalfallah, Mahazi and Georgievski will be best remembered for their contributions during the club’s Premiership-Championship double in the 2014/15 Season.

In that season Ben Khalfallah was also crowned as the Victory medallist.