Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of defensive duo George Timotheou and Noah Smith for the 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Timotheou joins the Club from Adelaide United where the former Australian youth international made 19 appearances for the Reds over the past two seasons.
The 24-year-old left-sided central defender spent time in the German Bundesliga with Schalke and in Belgium with Zulte Waregem before returning to Australia in 2020.
Smith joins from the Central Coast where he made 10 appearances for the Mariners in 2021/22 with the 21-year-old left full-back starting his career with his hometown club, Adelaide United.
The defenders will bolster the Victory backline along with the return of Scholarship player, Matt Bozinovski who returns to the Club from his loan spell at Wellington Phoenix.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said the new signings will add great balance and depth to an already imposing defensive line at the Club.
“We’re excited to welcome George and Noah to the Club as we continue to round out the squad for the 2022/23 season,” Didulica said.
“The duo are both very talented with attributes that will suit our game model and we’re confident we will see the duo play their best football at Victory.
“Our defence was the most miserly in the A-League last season and we’re confident we’re continuing to build the right balance and options across our defence.”
Timotheou was looking forward to making the move to Melbourne with Victory.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Melbourne Victory and can’t wait to get started,” Timotheou said.
“I’ve followed the team’s progress over the past season and I’m looking forward to contributing to the Club’s journey to success next season.”
Smith was also excited to be part of the squad being built at the Club.
“I’m excited to be joining a Club like Melbourne Victory and giving my all for the loyal members and fans of the Club,” Smith said.
“The team has built an impressive defensive unit and I’m looking forward to joining it and playing an important role coming into the new season.”
Timotheou and Smith are the first new signings of the 2022/23 pre-season, joining the re-signings of Rai Marchan, Will Wilson and Leigh Broxham for the upcoming season.
