Melbourne Victory have bolstered their defensive stocks with the signing of Spanish left-back Enrique ‘Kike’ Lopez.
Also known as Kadete, Lopez arrives at AAMI Park as a free agent for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 28-year-old previously played for Kazak giants FC Astana, having also spent time with Atletico San Luis and Queretaro in Mexico’s Liga MX.
“I’m excited to start my journey in Australia with a club like Melbourne Victory,” Lopez said.
“Victory is a club that wants to achieve success in every competition they play in and that drives me as a footballer.
“I’m a player that gives everything when I’m on the pitch and I am looking forward to doing that for the team and the fans every week at AAMI Park.”
Victory, who won the Australia Cup last season and lost to eventual champions Western United in the A-League Men Semi-Finals, have been active this off-season.
On top of the marquee signing of Manchester United and Portugal great Nani, Victory have signed Tomi Juric, Paul Izzo, George Timotheou, Noah Smith, Eli Adams and Ahmad Taleb.
“We’re excited to be able to add Kike to the roster for the upcoming season as we make the final touches to our squad,” said Victory head coach Tony Popovic.
“He’s a mature, dynamic full-back who has the attributes to contribute to what we want to work towards this season and we’re looking forward to achieving big things together.”
