Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco for the remainder of the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season.

Gallifuoco returns to Victory after spending the first half of the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season with Central Coast Mariners.

The 26-year-old will help bolster the club’s defensive stocks ahead of what will be a busy schedule with the squad competing in both the A-League and AFC Champions League.

Head Coach Carlos Salvachua welcomed Gallifuoco back to the Victory family.

“We are very happy to have signed Giancarlo for the remainder of this season,” Salvachua said.

“Giancarlo has played overseas at both youth and senior level; he understands the rigours of competing in multiple competitions and he obviously knows the A-League.

“With the team competing in the A-League and AFC Champions League, we look forward to having Giancarlo join the squad and helping us in our ambition to contend in both competitions.”

Gallifuoco played several years with Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City’s youth sides before making his senior debut with Victory in 2015/16 season.

The versatile defender then pursued a career overseas, playing in England and Italy before returning to the A-League in 2018.

Giancarlo said he was thrilled to be returning to Victory.

“It is wonderful to be returning to Melbourne. The opportunity to pull on the Victory shirt again and compete in both the A-League and Champions League made the decision very easy,” Gallifuoco said.

“I have many friends in the dressing room and amongst the staff, and I can’t wait to play in front of the Victory members and fans, they’re the best supporters in Australia.

“I’m looking forward to training hard and trying to earn a spot in the starting line-up. I’m ready to play whatever role the coaching staff ask of me and helping Victory win games in both the Champions League and A-League.

“Finally, I would like to thank my agent, Paul Dickinson, who helped secure my return to Melbourne Victory.”