Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of Australian youth international, Josh Rawlins.

The 20-year-old joins the Club on a two-year deal, signing on until the end of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season from Dutch side, FC Utrecht.

The full-back made his A-League Men’s debut as a 16-year-old for Perth Glory, making a total of 34 league appearances over his first two seasons in Western Australia, before moving to Europe with Utrecht.

Rawlins spent the 2022/23 season in the Dutch U21’s league before returning to Perth on loan, making 12 appearances last season.

The defender was also part of the latest Olyroos squad that competed at the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Qatar and featured in the side that finished third in the 2022 edition of the competition.

Melbourne Victory A-League Men’s Head Coach Patrick Kisnobo said Rawlins will add a dynamic edge to the Victory defensive line.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add Josh to the squad for the upcoming season,” Kisnorbo said.

“At 20 years old, Josh has almost 50 games of A-League Men’s experience under his belt and will come into our squad looking to compete for first-team football.

“He’s a full-back who has strong defensive and attacking qualities but more importantly, he is a great character fit for our team and we believe he has an incredibly bright future at Melbourne Victory.”

Rawlins was also looking forward to the move to Melbourne with Victory.

“I’m excited to be able to sign for Melbourne Victory and represent such an iconic Club in Australian football,” Rawlins said.

“Victory has created an environment where I believe I can get the best out of myself and help the team achieve the ultimate success.

“The Club went so close to the Championship last season and I’m looking to help the side go one step further next season.”

Rawlins is the first new signing of the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad as the team returns to pre-season training on Wednesday 10 July.