Wales defender Lockyer signs for Melbourne Victory

Wales defender Tom Lockyer has agreed a deal to join Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory.

The 31-year-old, who has 16 caps for Wales, joins Melbourne on a free transfer after leaving Bristol Rovers at the end of last season.

Lockyer made his return to football with the Gas last October after nearly two years out following a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match for Luton in December 2023. It was the second time he had collapsed on a pitch in eight months after also having done so in the Championship play-off final.

"I am thrilled to have joined Melbourne Victory and cannot wait to get this next chapter of my career under way in such an amazing city," Lockyer told the club website., external

"This opportunity excites me a lot, as I look to experience new things and challenge myself in a fresh environment. Now it is time to get to work and be ready for every battle ahead," Lockyer added.

The centre-back began his career at Bristol Rovers before moving to Charlton, going on to enjoy a successful five-year spell at Luton where he helped the Hatters achieve promotion to the Premier League.

He made 14 appearances in the top flight before his long period out of the game.

When he was cleared to return to playing he rejoined his first club Bristol Rovers and played 16 games in League Two last season.

Lockyer was part of the Wales squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, winning his most recent cap against Turkey in 2023.

Speaking last November he said he had not given up the "dream" of pulling on a Wales shirt again.