Ex-Socceroos gloveman Mitch Langerak to rejoin Melbourne Victory after a 14-year absence

One of Australia’s finest goalkeepers is returning to the A-League after a lengthy spell in Europe and Japan.

Former Socceroo Mitch Langerak is returning to the A-League. Picture: Supplied

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has targeted A-League title glory after confirming his return to Melbourne Victory.

As reported by News Corp Australia last month, the veteran gloveman will rejoin the Victory after completing his commitments with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus at the end of the 2024 J1 League season, which concludes in December.

Langerak, who turns 36 this month, has signed an 18-month deal with the Victory, where a first-choice goalkeeping vacancy came about following Paul Izzo’s departure for Danish club Randers.

The Melbourne club has also signed experienced keeper Jack Duncan, with the former Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix custodian set to play between the posts until Langerak’s arrival.

One of our own comes home 💙

Join us for 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎: https://t.co/CgBXnIFaiipic.twitter.com/xuvRLvABlF

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 3, 2024

“I’m thrilled to be returning to where it all began for me, with Melbourne Victory,” said Queenslander Langerak, who made 21 A-League appearances for Victory before joining German club Borussia Dortmund 14 years ago.

“Now is the right time to come home for my family and for myself, and there is no other club I’d be returning to, other than Victory.

“My last season at Victory in 2010 saw us go agonisingly close to (winning) the championship, and the past season for the team was no different.

“The goal for me is to help the team achieve the ultimate success and lift that trophy at the end of the season.”

New Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who has replaced Tony Popovic at the helm, said Langerak’s “pedigree” was obvious.

“He’s played at the highest level in Europe and he has been an incredibly consistent performer in Japan,” Kisnorbo said of the eight-time Socceroo.

“His character, professionalism and attitude to football is an example for all footballers to follow, and we look forward to his arrival in January.”

The Victory return to action on Tuesday night in an Australia Cup round-of-32 match against NPL Northern NSW club Lambton Jaffas in Newcastle.