Matildas signing tracker: A-League Women coup as fan favourite Alex Chidiac returns

Matildas fan favourite Alex Chidiac will re-join the A-League on a multi-year deal after being let go by her American club last month.

Alex Chidiac has returned home to the A-League Womens. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne Victory has snared another Matildas star with fan favourite Alex Chidiac signing a multi-year deal with to join the A-League Women’s side again.

Chidiac, who was given limited minutes during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, had been on loan from NWSL club Racing Louisville with Mexican side Tigres.

The dynamic midfielder is no stranger to the A-Leagues: she won the Julie Dolan medal from her 13-game cameo last season when she scored six goals and regisitered five assists.

Chidiac joins a strong Victory outfit which boasts Australian national players Elise Kellond-Knight, Lydia Williams and Emily Gielnik (injured).

When news that Chidiac’s contract with Racing Louisville had not been renewed broke, fans had called for her to rejoin the A-Leagues.

Matildas star Alex Chidiac has signed a multi-year deal with Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty Images

There had been hopes she would sign with her home club Adelaide United, who have managed just two wins this season.

Coach Adrian Stenta said the decision was ultimately up to the club officials.

“If they came to me and spoke to me about Alex, for sure, I’d say we’re interested in bringing her into Adelaide if we possibly can,” Stenta said.

“She is a South Australian girl.

“That for Alex, she just needs to be in an environment where she’s playing regular minutes and can get herself back into that Matildas squad and playing regularly for her country because she’s certainly good enough to do that.”

Welcome home, Chids! 😍

Reigning Julie Dolan medallist @alexchidiac10 is BACK in the Liberty A-League, returning to @gomvfc after a stint abroad.

Details: https://t.co/f760q8NLgF#ALW#MelbourneVictorypic.twitter.com/ei764cR9xp

— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) December 29, 2023

With Victory fighting their way up the ladder after a slow start there is little doubt Chidiac’s arrival will be a boost for their finals chances.

Victory coach Jeff Hopkins said he was pleased to have the star back in the squad.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Alex back with us for the remainder of the campaign but even more exciting is that she will be with the squad for a further two seasons,” Hopkins said.

“Alex has shown that she is one of the elite midfielders in this country and she’s an invaluable asset to our side both on and off the park.

“At 24, her experience domestically and internationally is vast and over her time at Victory, she has been a leader with her actions, leading by example in everything she does and we’re looking forward to what she can produce over an extended period at the club.”

Chidiac is expected to be available for this weekend’s clash with Western Sydney.

“I’m delighted to be back at Victory and can’t wait to be back on the pitch in the Liberty A-League,” Chidiac said.

“Victory has become like a second home to me. Working with Jeff and the team brings out the best in me as a footballer and I’m looking forward to helping the team win more silverware over my time here.”

Originally published as Matildas signing tracker: A-League Women coup as fan favourite Alex Chidiac returns