Melbourne Victory are set for their blockbuster clash with red-hot Wrexham AFC at Marvel Stadium on Friday, July 11.
Returning to action after travelling all the way through to the A-League Men’s Grand Final last season, Melbourne Victory will be taking on Welsh-based Wrexham AFC, who are fresh off their third consecutive promotion up the English football pyramid.
Playing their first international friendly since inviting Manchester United to town in 2022, the Vuck will test themselves against a club set to play in the EFL Championship next season.
Melbourne Victory
Since the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, there have been a number of new arrivals, re-signings and departures from Melbourne Victory’s squad.
While the likes of Kasey Bos, Daniel Arzani and Ryan Teague have departed the club for opportunities in Europe’s top leagues, Victory have already begun building their squad for the 2025/26 campaign to come.
Youthful Aussie trio Louis D’Arrigo, Keegan Jelacic and Franco Lino have all been signed and will be eager to hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, electric Brazilian winger Santos has extended his contract for a further two seasons at the club, and experienced defensive duo Roderick Miranda and Adama Traoré have been announced to be remaining at the club for the upcoming campaign.
Leading pre-season preparations for the first-ever time as head coach, Arthur Diles will be keen to build upon a season full of positives in 24/25.
Wrexham AFC
Becoming the first club from the top five divisions of English football to secure three consecutive promotions, Wrexham will certainly be up and about in their July trip down under.
Retaining key players such as captain James McClean, former Premier League star Jay Rodriguez, Arsenal academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo and Ollie Rathbone, the Red Dragons have also strengthened their squad heading into England’s second division.
Welsh international and former Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward has rejoined his hometown club, while Scotsman Ryan Hardie has signed for the club for well over one million Australian dollars, a proven scorer in the Championship for Plymouth Argyle.
A historic club that has been led by manager Phil Parkinson since 2021, Wrexham have continued to defy expectations in their rapid ascendancy up the football pyramid.
Recording draws against Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Chelsea, and defeating MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1 in their 2024 tour of the US, Wrexham will ultimately be put to the test by Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium this Friday.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
