The signing of Chris Ikonomidis was an off-season highlight for Melbourne Victory.
The talented 26-year-old forward signed a three-year deal with Victory in July in a huge boost to the Club’s offensive stocks.
A 15-time Socceroo, Ikonomidis missed most of last season with Perth Glory due to a knee injury, but quickly found his feet on his return.
Ikonomidis, who spent time with Serie A giants Atalanta and Lazio as a teenager, scored four goals in six games at the end of last season.
His arrival was a coup for Victory, which scored 31 goals in 26 Isuzu UTE A-League games in 2020/21.
The attack has been another area in which Victory has strengthened, with Francesco Margiotta and Nick D’Agostino also among the signings.
Margiotta, 28, arrives after spending last season at Chievo, while Olyroo D’Agostino joins following two campaigns with Perth Glory.
Marco Rojas, meanwhile, will be like a new signing for Victory after an injury-hit 2020/21, during which he made just seven league appearances.
The New Zealand international netted six times in 10 games at the end of 2019/20, but last season was ruined by multiple injuries.
Ben Folami built towards the back end of the previous campaign while on loan from Ipswich Town and the 22-year-old has returned on a two-year deal.
The exciting attacker was playing regularly for the first time in his professional career and his growth towards the end of the season was clear to see.
Victory Head Coach Tony Popovic has plenty of options in the attacking third, with Robbie Kruse, 33, also in the squad.
And there is also plenty of young talent ready to excite Victory fans.
Lleyton Brooks and Nishan Velupillay showed good signs when given chances last season, while Gianluca Iannucci has performed well at youth level.
It gives Victory flexibility and plenty of firepower, with Ikonomidis’ arrival the highlight ahead of 2021/22.
