Former Victory defender Ansell signs for Portuguese Primera Liga side

Former Melbourne Victory defender Nick Ansell has signed a two-year deal with Portuguese club CD Tondela.

Nick Ansell in action for Melbourne Victory against Atletico Madrid Source: Getty Images AsiaPac

The Primera Liga side confirmed the signing of the 23-year-old on Tuesday (AEST) with the centre back tied to the club until 2019.

Ansell makes the move to Portugal after 71 appearances with Victory across five seasons which included the 2014-2015 A-League championship and premiership double. 

Ansell was the fifth signing of the off-season for CD Tondela who narrowly avoided relegation last year, finishing 16th in the Primeira Liga, equal on points and only one goal ahead in goal difference of relegated Arouca.

Directamente do outro lado do Mundo!🇦🇺Defesa-central, 23 anos, australiano! BEM-VINDO NICK ANSELL! Welcome warrior, now you are auriverde!😉 pic.twitter.com/OcxfapSqhQ— CD Tondela (@CDTondela1933) June 19, 2017

The former Australia U-17, U-20 and U-23 representative was one of seven players, alongside Alan Baro, Max Beister, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Lucas Spinella, George Howard and Rashid Mahazi, to depart the Victory at the end of last season after he expressed his desire to test himself abroad.

Cuidado! Não te metas com ele! 🤣🤣 E sim! Estamos a aguardar uma chegada inédita! 🕖 🤗🤗 pic.twitter.com/L1KXxSXMpH— CD Tondela (@CDTondela1933) June 19, 2017

Ansell is expected to join the Primeira Liga squad on the 29th and will undergo a medical at the Viseu Hospital before his contract is finalised.