Melbourne Victory is pleased to confirm that we have entered into a loan agreement with Norwegian club, FK Viking to bring Australian, and Victory youth player, Franco Lino back to the Club for the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Season.
The 19-year-old left back returns to the Club following 18-months abroad, having originally joined the Melbourne Victory Academy as a 12-year-old, working his way through the Club’s junior sides before being signed to a scholarship contract at the beginning of the 2023/24 pre-season.
Lino made his senior debut with the A-League Men’s side during the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season before his sale to Viking in January 2024.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Arthur Diles said Lino was another example of young local product that was capable of making a great contribution to the ongoing success of the Club.
“Franco is a talented young footballer and someone who we look forward to welcoming back to the dressing room,” Diles said.
“His arrival ahead of our 2025/26 campaign is exciting and we look forward to continuing his development by instilling a winning mentality. I have no doubt that Franco can bring his best to the team, contribute each week, and help us as we aim to go one better than we did last season.”
Lino also expressed his excitement to return to the Club, aiming to continue his development and growth both on and off the pitch.
“Coming back to Victory, it’s an exciting opportunity knowing I’ll be back on the pitch with the biggest club in the league with the best fans in Australia,” Lino said.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Melbourne and doing my part. I’ve learned a lot overseas and want to bring those experiences to the next stage of my career and help the Club build to the success that everyone deserves.”
Lino joins Keegan Jelacic and Louis D’Arrigo who signed with the Club last month, and have begun preparations for the International friendly match against Wrexham AFC and the Australia Cup.
