Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of centre-backs Tim Hoogland and James Donachie in a boost to the club’s defensive stocks.

Tim Hoogland signs from German side VfL Bochum on a one-year contract, while James Donachie formally returns to Victory following a loan from Korean side Jeonnam Dragons, also on a one-year contract.

Hoogland, 34, made his professional football debut in the Bundesliga for Schalke 04 in 2005 after representing the German U18, U19 and U20 national sides between 2002–2005.

Signing with 1. FSV Mainz 05 in 2007, Hoogland made 84 appearances and scored 14 goals before returning to Schalke 04 in 2010.

More recently, Hoogland spent a season in the EFL Championship with Fulham before returning to the second division in Germany with VfL Bochum where he’s made 96 appearances since 2015.

Hoogland will be surrounded by familiar faces at Victory, with fellow German Marco Kurz as well as Robbie Kruse, who also recently signed from VfL Bochum, both at the club.

“I’m excited to join Melbourne Victory and by the new challenge that awaits me in Australia,” said Hoogland.

“I’ve heard great things about the club and about the A-League, and with Robbie and Marco there too, I will definitely feel at home.

“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start training.”

Having represented Victory on 62 occasions across all competitions and playing an integral role in the club’s championship triumph in 2017/18, Donachie said he was excited by the direction of the club moving forward and the role he can play this season.

“After remaining in touch with the club during the off-season, I was impressed with the changes being made and also by the opportunity to step up further personally,” said Donachie.

“I’ve played some of my best football with Melbourne Victory, and I feel like I still have plenty more to offer.

“I look forward to contributing to more success for the club any way I can.”

Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Marco Kurz was pleased to secure both Hoogland and Donachie’s services to bolster the side’s defence.

“Tim is a solid and fast centre-back and James is a player with great quality and respect here at Victory,” said Kurz.

“Both players will strengthen our defensive unit and provide valuable insights for our younger players to learn from, and also great support for our more established players.

“The squad is starting to take shape, and we still have more new players to sign before the season begins in a couple of months, so it’s an exciting position to be in.”

Hoogland and Donachie will begin training immediately this week following medical assessments.

Current Melbourne Victory Squad

Matthew ACTON, Kenjok ATHIU, Jay BARNETT, Corey BROWN, Leigh BROXHAM, Thomas DENG, James DONACHIE, Tim HOOGLAND, Josh HOPE, Elvis KAMSOBA, Birkan KIRDAR, Robbie KRUSE, Anthony LESIOTIS, Andrew NABBOUT, Storm ROUX, Matthew SUTTON, Lawrence THOMAS, Ola TOIVONEN