Leijer has failed to make the breakthrough into the first team at English Premier League side Fulham and spent the latter part of the season on loan to Championship club Norwich City.

Sadly for Leijer, the season ended this weekend with the Canaries relegated to the third tier of English football.

He will now return to Fulham and is expected to be part of the squad that travels to Australia in July to take on Melbourne.

Merrick still has a strong belief that Leijer can make the top flight breakthrough in England.

"To make the big time over there is not an easy task, you have to go through some very tough times before you make it.

"I know Adrian and what he is capable of," Merrick told AAP.

The Victory coach has no doubts that the defender could still grace the top flight of English football but might have to make an impact in a league below first.

"I think he could play in the English Premier League, albeit that he might have to drop down to the Championship for a year. At the moment I think he's best staying over there," he said.