Melbourne Victory have secured the return of Academy graduate Franco Lino for the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League season after extending the 20-year-old’s loan from Norwegian club FK Viking.
Lino extends his stay in Victoria after spending the second half of last season back at Victory, where he made six appearances, scoring one goal and is the third signing the club has made under new Head Coach, Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese.
The exciting left-back joined Viking from Victory in January 2024 after becoming the first player to progress through the club’s entire Academy pathway before making an Isuzu UTE A-League appearance.
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Victory Director of Football John Didulica welcomed Lino’s return for another campaign.
“Franco has been one of us since he was 12 years old, so we are delighted to see him continuing with the Club, and we thank FK Viking, who qualified for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League, for trusting us with Franco’s ongoing development.
“Franco’s performances at the end of last season were incredibly exciting, so I am really pleased we have secured his services for another season. He is a shining example of what can be achieved through our Academy pathway.”
Lino said he was looking forward to another opportunity with Victory.
“Melbourne Victory has given me so much in both my personal and professional life, so it is great for me to have another opportunity to give back and do my all to bring success on the field.
“I enjoyed my time here last season, and it was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces and, of course, the fans. But I also believe I have so much more to give, so I am ready to take this opportunity with both hands.”
Lino’s return follows both Harry Sawyer and Harry Shillington joining Victory whilst Jack Warshawsky and Charles Nduka hope also both inked new deals with the club.
