Socceroos defender Milos Degenek has completed a permanent return to Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade.

The 29-year-old leaves Major League Soccer outfit Colombus Crew after 18 months.

The 41-cap international has signed a two-year contract and looks set to be the only Australian featuring in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Red Star qualified for the group stage of the UCL by finishing top of the domestic league.

The return to the Serbian capital will mark Degenek's third stint with the club in a career which has taken him to Germany, Japan and Saudi Arabia, where he won the Asian Champions League with Al Hilal.

Degenek featured in every one of Australia's games at last year's World Cup in Qatar and has shown his value to Socceroos coach Graham Arnold with his ability to play centrally or as a fullback.