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Victory snare world-class Swedish striker for A-League

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31st August, 2018
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Melbourne Victory have pulled off a second stunning transfer coup, convincing Swedish striker Ola Toivonen to join the A-League champions.

Toivonen is poised to link with Kevin Muscat’s side from French club Toulouse, which announced his departure and destination on Friday.

The 32-year-old has made a handshake agreement, passed a preliminary medical and will travel to Melbourne in the next fortnight when a final deal should be confirmed.

The World Cup quarter-finalist is set to join Japanese living legend Keisuke Honda in a forward line of international quality at AAMI Park.

Toivonen has scored 14 goals in 64 caps for Sweden, calling time on his international career after Sweden’s unlikely run to the last eight in Russia.

He started each of Sweden’s matches at the World Cup, scoring against reigning champions Germany.

The 192cm frontman would be a high-calibre replacement for A-League record-scorer Besart Berisha, who left the club after their fourth championship to play in the J League.

His transfer would ensure Victory remain a serious contender for a fifth title after a mass clearout of players in the off-season.

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Eight senior players – Leroy George, James Donachie, Rhys Williams, Stefan Nigro, Matias Sanchez, Mitch Austin, Christian Theoharous and Berisha – left the club following their grand final win over Newcastle.

Muscat has signed German Georg Niedermeier, Kiwi Storm Roux, Corey Brown, returning defender Nick Ansell and Honda.

Adding Toivonen would return cult striker Kenny Athiu to the bench as the gangly forward prepares for his second A-League season.

The signing also suggests a gulf in ambition between Melbourne’s two A-League clubs.

Melbourne City, despite the riches of parent club Manchester City, have not made a similar splash in the transfer market this off-season.

Warren Joyce has made six signings, the most recent and high profile of which has been Florin Berenguer, who left French second division club Sochaux.

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