Victory sign German star as Galloway goes

Victory have released Scott Galloway but brought in German Maximilian Beister as a foreign player.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat, centre, has moved to boost his squad

Melbourne Victory have released Olyroo Scott Galloway but brought in German Maximilian Beister, filling the club’s allowance of foreign players for the A-League season.

It’s all changed on Victory’s left flank, with Galloway understood to be heading to Central Coast Mariners and Beister joining on a year-long loan from Bundesliga club Mainz.

The move is not a like-for-like swap, with Beister able to play left back but more at home further up the field — boosting the firepower available to coach Kevin Muscat. The 26-year-old former German youth international has experience playing in Germany’s top two tiers with Hamburg and Fortuna Dusseldorf.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our squad, and we have actively been searching for player who can add depth to our midfield and attacking third,” Muscat said.

“He has proven over a long period of time that he can make an impact in one of the world’s toughest leagues, and his versatility allows him to play in midfield and also in attack.”

Beister will arrive at Victory later this week to help the A-League powerhouse attempt to climb the ladder after a return of just one point in two games.

Galloway won’t be around to help Victory’s cause after Muscat decided the 21-year-old was surplus to requirements.

Macedonian international Daniel Georgievski, 28, has been preferred in Victory’s first two matches of the season while Leigh Broxham has also been tried in the position through the club’s pre-season and FFA Cup run.

Beister’s addition means the club has enough cover in the role, with Muscat thanking the West Australian-raised player for his contribution over four seasons.

“I will leave Victory a better footballer and person than when I arrived,” Galloway said. “The last four seasons I have been fortunate enough to be part of a Championship-winning team and I’ve experienced playing in the Asian Champions League and against clubs like Liverpool and Juventus.

“However I believe the time is right to explore a fresh opportunity to give myself the chance to play consistent first team football.”

Galloway made 63 appearances for Victory since in 2013.

Meanwhile, Socceroos legend Harry Kewell believes he’s seen a shift in power between Melbourne’s A-League clubs, stamped by Melbourne City’s stunning 4-1 derby win.

Kewell, who played for both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart towards the end of his decorated playing career, suggested there was no doubt as to the better side.

“How the tables have turned,” he said. “Victory was a team that dominated possession. You can just see now City are head and shoulders about Victory at the moment. It means Victory have to rethink their strategies.”

AAP