Marvin Angulo is likely to depart Melbourne Victory because the A-League club is struggling to fit him into the salary cap.

The Costa Rican midfielder is coming to the end of his two-year loan deal from homeland club Club Sport Herediano but is expected to return home because the Victory cannot afford to buy him outright.

A similar situation with Carlos Hernandez occurred a few seasons ago but the Victory were determined to keep him and paid a transfer fee whereas Angulo's performances have not really warranted a big-money purchase.

With the two-time A-League champions not short on midfielders, it could spell the end for Angulo as the incoming coach to replace the sacked Ernie Merrick will be looking at reinforcements in other positions.