Perth's and Victory's loss is City's gain as Nabbout joins rivals

Nabbout looked surplus to requirements at Victory with the club earlier this week saying they had not factored him into their plans as they thought he was heading to WA.

Nabbout, a 27-year-old who was a first-choice player for then-Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk at the 2018 World Cup, has signed a one-year deal with City.

Nabbout scored seven times in the A-League for struggling Victory last season. He can play out wide or through the middle, and his strongest attribute is his pace and workrate – factors that saw van Marwijk favour him as a starter at the World Cup ahead of strikers such as his new teammate, Jamie Maclaren (last season's Golden Boot winner) and Tommy Juric.

Nabbout averages a goal every three and a half games, having netted 31 in 108 A-League appearances in six years.

"Andrew has showed over his time in the A-League that he is an invaluable asset to any team with his pace, power and skill in the final third and will fit into our City style of play under Patrick Kisnorbo," said City's director of football Michael Petrillo.

In a statement released by the club, Nabbout said: "City are an ambitious club who want to achieve the ultimate success and I want to be a part of that environment.

"The club have set the standard throughout the league with its style of play and I feel with that, I can play a major role for the team moving forward.

"I'm from Melbourne, my friends and family are in Melbourne and to continue in this city with Melbourne City is special for me."

City will have a different look next season as Josh Brillante, the man who wore the captain's armband in the grand final due to the absence of skipper Scott Jamieson, has departed.

He is expected to link up with former Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, who is now coaching Xanthi FC in the Greek second division.

Craig Noone, the former English Premier League winger, has also returned to England in the off-season. He is still under contract but the logistical difficulties of getting him back for the next season may prove too challenging – especially if he decides he wants to stay at home.

Nabbout is the club's fifth new signing of the 2020-21 pre-season, joining Marco Tilio, Matt Sutton, Taras Gomulka and Aiden O'Neil at Melbourne City for the upcoming season. They will report into CFA Melbourne for the A-League side's return to training ahead on October 5.

As well as retaining Atkinson, City have also re-signed French attacking midfielder Florin Berenguer and defensive midfielder Rostyn Griffiths.

Berenguer has extended his contract until the end of 2020-21 which will be the Frenchman's third season at the club.

Griffiths will also make the 2020-21 season his third at the Club, re-signing for two more years.
The 32-year-old, who impressed by filling in at centre-back last season as well as his usual holding midfield role, has made 44 appearances during his time in Melbourne and scored three goals.

Petrillo said retaining such players was a key to City building stability at the club.

"We're pleased to have Nathaniel, Florin and Rostyn back as we continue to build a strong, stable squad that can win silverware. Nathaniel has been a part of our youth development pathway and senior squad for five years and we're excited for him to remain."