Socceroos veteran Mathew Leckie has signed a new deal with Melbourne City, extending his tenure with the A-League Men club despite facing injury challenges during the FIFA World Cup. The contract includes a trigger for an additional season, solidifying his place at the club.

Leckie's Resilience

At 35 years old, Leckie has battled a series of soft-tissue injuries and underwent hip surgery, yet he managed to secure a spot in Tony Popovic's squad for the World Cup. He was one of only four Socceroos to participate in four World Cups, starting in Australia's match against the United States before a hamstring injury cut his tournament short.

Melbourne City has expressed confidence in Leckie's ability to return to form, with football director Michael Petrillo stating, "Mat has consistently shown that when he's on the pitch, he remains one of the A-League's most influential players." Leckie himself shared his enthusiasm for continuing with the club, saying, "I've loved representing my hometown club over the past five years, and I'm really pleased to be staying for another season."

Milanovic's Return to Western Sydney

In a separate development, Western Sydney Wanderers have welcomed back Nicolas Milanovic, who previously enjoyed a successful stint with the club. The 24-year-old midfielder had a standout season in 2024-25, scoring 12 goals and playing a pivotal role in the team's success. His impressive performances earned him a move to Aberdeen and a call-up to the Socceroos, where he made his debut against New Zealand in October 2025.

However, after a challenging year in Scotland, where he made only 10 starts and registered one assist, Milanovic has returned to the Wanderers on a three-year deal. He expressed his excitement about rejoining the club, stating, "Coming back to the Wanderers just felt right." New Wanderers coach Ufuk Talay emphasized the importance of Milanovic enjoying his football again, noting, "When Nic is playing with confidence and freedom, he's one of the best players in the competition."

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson acknowledged the benefits of the transfer for both clubs, highlighting that the deal secures a good fee for Aberdeen while retaining future economic rights to the player. Milanovic's return to a familiar environment presents a promising opportunity for him to revive his career.