Melbourne Victory is delighted to announce the extension of Franco Lino’s loan spell with the Club.
The 20-year-old Academy graduate, who spent last term back with the Boys in Blue, has returned from his parent club FK Viking to join Giovanni Savarese’s team for the 2026/27 season.
This follows him signing a new contract with the reigning Norwegian champions, whom he joined from Victory in January 2024, having become the first player to feature in the Isuzu UTE A-League after completing the Club’s entire Academy program.
During his previous loan in Melbourne, Lino made six outings and netted his first goal, striking on the road to eventual Champions Auckland FC in April.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, commented:
“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:
“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.”
Welcome back, Franco!
Lino’s return follows both Harry Sawyer and Harry Shillington joining Victory, Mikey Ghossaini, William Kengni, Jack Mihailidis and Malik Olukhale all signing their first A-League contracts, and Jack Warshawsky and Charles Nduka agreeing contract extensions at the Club.
