Melbourne Victory have lured Paul Izzo back to the A-League Men and the Australian goalkeeper is eyeing the Championship after reuniting with Tony Popovic.
Former Adelaide United keeper Izzo returns to Australia on a three-season deal with Victory, having spent two years at Greek outfit Xanthi.
Izzo followed head coach Popovic to Greece’s second division in 2020 and amassed 31 clean sheets in 50 appearances.
The 27-year-old Izzo – a three-time Australia Cup champion in Adelaide – now heads to Melbourne with silverware on his mind after replacing Ivan Kelava.
“I’m incredibly pleased to be joining Melbourne Victory and can’t wait to play in front of the amazing members and fans that create the best atmosphere in the league,” Izzo said.
“There is no doubt I want to achieve the ultimate success in Melbourne.
“Winning the A-League Championship is a title that I haven’t won in the past and I think the environment at Melbourne Victory can go a long way towards me helping the team and the club achieve that.”
Former Australia youth international Izzo made his debut for hometown club Adelaide in 2012.
After his Reds release, Izzo joined Central Coast Mariners for two years and recorded 42 ALM appearances in Gosford before returning to Adelaide in 2017.
Izzo, who has played in more than 100 ALM matches, is Victory’s sixth new signing, after Tomi Juric, George Timotheou, Noah Smith, Eli Adams and Ahmad Taleb.
“Paul will be an important addition to the club and we are confident his qualities can help our group take another step forward,” Popovic said.
“Working with him in the past and with his previous experience in the A-League, we’re confident Paul will be able to perform at his best at Melbourne Victory.”
