Melbourne Victory sign Swedish World Cup striker Ola Toivonen

Melbourne Victory haveconvinced Swedish striker Ola Toivonen to join the A-League champions.

Sweden’s Ola Toivonen celebrates scoring against Germany during the World Cup in Russia. Picture: Getty Images

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

Toivonen has signed a two-year deal with Kevin Muscat’s side from French club Toulouse, who announced his departure and destination yesterday. The 32-year-old will travel to Melbourne in the next fortnight to link up with his new teammates, delighting his new coach.

“Ola brings proven quality to our attack and he will play a big role in leading our forward line this season,” Muscat said.

“He is exactly the kind of player we wanted to recruit. He is an accomplished striker so I’m delighted he’s decided to come to Melbourne. We still have one visa spot available and we’re working hard to add even more quality to our ranks.”

The Swedish World Cup quarter-finalist links up with Japanese star Keisuke Honda in a forward line of high international quality.

Toivonen has scored 14 goals in 64 games for Sweden, calling time on his international career after their 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 is a high-calibre replacement for the A-League’s record scorer Besart Berisha, who left the club after their fourth championship to play in Japan.

Toivonen’s transfer puts Victory firmly in the frame for back-to-back championships, despite a mass clear out of players in the off-season.

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

Toivonen said he wanted to bring a fifth title to AAMI Park.

“If you go on an adventure, you want the possibility of winning, you want to win something,” he said.

“With the squad that has been assembled, including Keisuke, Georg and myself, I think we can do some good things this year.”

Muscat has now signed German Georg Niedermeier, New Zealander Storm Roux, Corey Brown, returning defender Nick Ansell, Honda and Toivonen.

Toivonen’s arrival relegates 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.

AAP