Melbourne Victory have strengthened their defensive lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League season by signing German centre-back Philipp Ziereis on a two-year contract.

Experienced Addition

The 33-year-old Ziereis joins Melbourne after a notable career in Germany and Austria, where he made over 150 appearances for St. Pauli. His experience also includes time with LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga and most recently with German second-tier side SpVgg Greuther Fürth, where he played 35 matches.

During his tenure at St. Pauli, Ziereis served as captain in the 2021-22 season and played a key role in LASK's qualification for European competition, participating in 12 UEFA matches, including two against Premier League club Liverpool.

Positive Outlook

Upon signing, Ziereis expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career, stating, “After many years playing in Europe, I am ready for a fresh challenge, a new competition, and to test myself in a different place. Melbourne Victory and the A-League feels like the perfect place to do that.” He also highlighted the positive feedback he received about the club and the excitement surrounding the arrival of new Head Coach Giovanni Savarese.

John Didulica, Melbourne Victory’s Director of Football, welcomed Ziereis, noting his experience and quality will significantly enhance the team's defensive capabilities. “It is brilliant to add a defender of Philipp’s experience and quality to our squad as we look to make our mark in multiple competitions this season,” Didulica remarked.

Ziereis' signing follows a busy week for Melbourne Victory, which also saw the club announce the arrivals of Harry Shillington and Harrison Sawyer. Additionally, academy graduate Franco Lino has extended his loan with the team for another season, while several first-team players, including Charles Nduka and Jack Warshawsky, have signed new contracts.

As Melbourne Victory prepares for the upcoming season, Ziereis' addition is expected to play a pivotal role in the team's ambitions across various competitions.