Adama Traore has returned to Melbourne Victory for his third stint at the Isuzu UTE A-League club.
Traore re-joins Victory for the 2023-24 campaign after two seasons with Western Sydney Wanderers, where he amassed 50 A-League Men appearances.
The 33-year-old full-back – who has played for Vitoria de Guimaraes, Basel and Goztepe in between his time in the A-Leagues – moved to Western Sydney from Victory in 2021 after originally arriving in Melbourne via Gold Coast United in 2012.
INS AND OUTS: Isuzu UTE A-League 2023-24 Transfer Centre
He returns to AAMI Park looking to add to the 88 league appearances to his name as a Victory player.
“Melbourne Victory is a special place for me. It is a club where I have experienced so much in the league and in Australia and I’m glad to be back,” Traore said ahead of the club’s Australia Cup play-off against Newcastle Jets next week.
“I want to give 100% in every session and in every opportunity I am given to represent Melbourne Victory.
“I understand what this club means to the fans and the incredible atmosphere they bring to AAMI Park and it will be an honour to represent them once again.”
Victory missed out on finals football last season, having reached the semi-finals and won the Australia Cup in 2021-22.
Tony Popovic’s side finished second from bottom and it has sparked a busy off-season.
Victory have farewelled captain Josh Brillante (Western Sydney Wanderers), marquee Nani, Matt Acton (Brisbane Roar), Lleyton Brooks, Kike Lopez (Kadete), Tomi Juric, George Timotheou (Gunghalin United), Fernando Romero (end of loan) and Bruce Kamau (end of loan).
They have brought in Daniel Arzani (Macarthur FC) and signed Franco Lino, Joshua Inserra and Jordi Valadon to scholarship contracts.
“Adama is an experienced defender who can make an important contribution to the side immediately with his qualities and will equally add great balance to our defensive unit across the season,” Popovic said
“He has delivered consistently over his time in the A-League and we are looking forward to him joining the team and helping the club.”
