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Wales defender Tom Lockyer joins Melbourne Victory on free transfer
The 31-year-old centre-back signed with the Australian A-League club after leaving Bristol Rovers. Lockyer returns to play following a cardiac arrest in 2023 and a second collapse later that year.
Jul 11, 6:16 AM·1m read1 source
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Wales defender Tom Lockyer has agreed to join Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory on a free transfer. The 31-year-old centre-back left Bristol Rovers at the end of last season and will begin his new role in the coming weeks. Lockyer made his return to football with Bristol Rovers in October 2025 after nearly two years out of the game.
He suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match for Luton in December 2023 and collapsed on the pitch a second time eight months later during 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.
"This opportunity excites me a lot, as I look to experience new things and challenge myself in a fresh environment.
Lockyer began his career at Bristol Rovers before moving to Charlton. He spent five years at Luton, where he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League and made 14 appearances in the top flight. After regaining clearance to play, he rejoined Bristol Rovers and featured in 16 League Two matches last season.
Lockyer earned 16 caps for Wales and was part of the squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. His most recent international appearance came against Turkey in 2023.
