One of the great A-League transfer sagas has come to a close with Melbourne Victory announcing the signing of 26-year-old Australian international Chris Ikonomidis on a three-year deal.
As reported by Kick 360, Perth Glory were ruled out of the race last week leaving Victory locked in a two-way tussle with Western Sydney Wanderers for the winger’s signature before the Melbourne club triumphed as they announced the signing on Wednesday afternoon.
This move reunites Ikonomidis with his former manger Tony Popović, who will use the dazzling winger to complement his already strong Australian contingent having already secured then signatures of Josh Brillante, Jason Davidson and Matthew Spiranović amongst others.
Victory’s A-League Head Coach Tony Popovic expressed his excitement over the acquisition of Ikonomidis.
“Chris has fantastic qualities that will excite the fans and also add an extra dimension to the team,” Popovic said.
“His ambition and humility are key qualities that we want, need and expect from all members of our squad and he will lead by example in this regard.”
Chris himself stated that Popović played a key role in the decision to sign with the Victory.
“Tony Popovic is assembling a strong squad and I am looking forward to getting to Melbourne and starting to train with everyone,” Ikonomidis said.
“I know Matthew Spiranovic, Jason Geria and Jason Davidson from my time in Perth so it will be great to get out on the pitch with them again as well as the larger team.
“One of the key reasons for my move to Melbourne Victory was the chance to play under the Boss again. I know how he likes to operate and his expectations, and I am confident I can work with and deliver on both.
Ikonomidis will prove to be a handy addition for Victory’s attacking stocks as they seek to re-write the wrongs of two lacklustre seasons which culminated in the club finishing bottom of the A-League table in 2020/21.
