Jarrod Carluccio will return to Western Sydney on a one-and-a-half season deal after being axed by struggling A-League Men club Perth Glory.
Carluccio became the sixth Glory player to have his contract terminated by mutual consent on Thursday, the first day of the January transfer window.
He joins former captain Mustafa Amini, Cristian Caiceido, Luis Canga, Luke Bodnar and Jacob Muir.
The midfielder had joined the West Australian club on loan from the Wanderers in 2023 and signed a one-season deal the following year after featuring in 23 games.
Earlier on Thursday, Perth announced the signing of former Olyroo and Western United winger Lachlan Wales, who returns to the domestic league after a short stint at K-League 2 club Gyeongnam FC.
Carluccio moves back to Western Sydney after the 12th-placed Glory lost 2-1 to the Wanderers on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old played 12 games for the club this season, notching one goal and an assist.
Glory football director Stan Lazaridis described Carluccio's departure as "amicable".
"His sterling efforts during some particularly challenging times have been hugely appreciated," Lazaridis said in a club statement.
"With the way our squad is developing in terms of the players that we have coming in, we weren't able to guarantee him the game-time that he needs at this stage of his career.
"This is very much an amicable parting of the ways and it is with a heavy heart that we see him go."
Carluccio, a Wanderers academy product, will be available for selection in Western Sydney's Friday night match against Central Coast.
"I am humbled to return to the Wanderers, there really is no place like home," Carluccio said in a club statement.
"Having grown up in the Western Sydney region and starting my football career at the club, it means a lot to have the opportunity to return."
Perth have a bye this weekend before returning to the pitch against Newcastle on January 25.
