Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of former Victory Medallist Adama Traore on a one-year deal.

Traore, 29, made 52 appearances for Victory between 2012–2014. Following a standout season in 2013/14 where he claimed Victory’s highest individual honour, the Victory Medal, Traore ventured overseas to Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães before securing a move to FC Basel in the Swiss Super League.

The defender went on to win three consecutive Swiss championships between 2014–2017 and a Swiss Cup title in 2017. He was an ever present in FC Basel’s UEFA Champions League 2016/17 campaign, after being part of the team that made the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League in 2016.

Following his time in Switzerland, Traore moved to Turkish Super Lig side Göztepe, where he made 27 appearances.

On the international stage, Traore has represented the Ivory Coast 12 times, Including appearances at the African Cup of Nations in 2017. Despite his birthplace, Traore is considered an Australian after gaining citizenship in 2013.

A popular player with the fans, Traore is excited to return to Melbourne Victory.

“I’m pleased to be back at Melbourne Victory and can’t wait to get started with the rest of the group.

“I have very fond memories of my previous time at the club and am looking forward to playing in front of the best supporters in the league once again.

“Marco (Kurz) has spoken to me about the style he wants to play, which as an attacking full-back, is something that excites me.”

Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Marco Kurz said Traore’s return is an exciting prospect for the club.

“When the opportunity presented itself to bring Adama Traore back to Melbourne, we absolutely wanted to make that happen,” said Kurz.

“Adama is an experienced player that has proven himself in Europe and at Melbourne Victory previously, and he will add a lot of quality to our backline.

“We look forward to welcoming him back and finalising the rest of our squad for the season soon.”

Traore arrived at the club today and will commence training immediately.

Current Melbourne Victory Squad

Matthew ACTON, Kenjok ATHIU, Jay BARNETT, Corey BROWN, Leigh BROXHAM, Benjamin CARRIGAN, Thomas DENG, Kristijan DOBRAS, James DONACHIE, Tim HOOGLAND, Josh HOPE, Elvis KAMSOBA, Birkan KIRDAR, Robbie KRUSE, Brandon LAUTON, Anthony LESIOTIS, Andrew NABBOUT, Jakob POULSEN, Storm ROUX, Matthew SUTTON, Lawrence THOMAS, Ola TOIVONEN, Adama TRAORE