Mosta defender Luke Dimech could make a sensational return to Valletta during next month’s transfer window.
The 35-year-old Dimech has reportedly held talks with Valletta officials, led by president Victor Sciriha, over a January move as the champions step up their efforts to strengthen their defence, also in view of the injury-related absences of Jonathan Caruana and Steve Borg, both out with knee problems.
Since returning to Maltese football last summer following a successful two-year spell with Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, Dimech has re-established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League, so much so that he has been an automatic choice for the national team under Pietro Ghedin.
However, news of Dimech’s potential return to Valletta is likely to cause uproar among fervent City supporters in light of his acrimonious exit from the club in his previous spell.
Many Valletta supporters have not forgiven Dimech for taking off his shirt in a fit of anger after the defender had been involved in an exchange with some fans during a Championship Pool match against Sliema Wanderers in season 2009/10.
After being sent off at half-time, Dimech was subsequently suspended by the club until the end of the season despite making a public apology for his reaction.
Yet, his departure from Valletta failed to derail his career as the following summer Dimech rejoined Ton Caanen, the former City coach, at AEK Larnaca where, despite strong competition for places, he commanded a regular berth in the team.
Valletta’s pursuit of Dimech could sound controversial but the club hierarchy will probably argue that, regardless of what happened in the past, a player of Dimech’s stature would reinforce not only their defensive lines but also the team’s hopes of retaining the league title.
Valletta’s defensive woes were compounded during their shock 2-1 defeat to Melita at the Hibs Stadium, on Sunday.
Ricardo left the field with injury just past the hour and midfielder William Barbosa, who had switched to centre-half to deputise for his fellow Brazilian country-man, also had to be substituted after suffering a gash on his forehead.
With Ricardo and Barbosa unlikely to recover for tomorrow’s match with Rabat Ajax, Valletta coach Mark Miller has an injury crisis as Borg is still sidelined, Caruana is doubtful and striker Michael Mifsud has not fully recovered from an adductor problem.
With Belgian Jason Lee Vandelannoite already signed, Miller must be relishing the prospect of adding Dimech to his squad ahead of the title run-in.
Dimech has been a first-team regular since joining Mosta last summer but reports suggest that the Blues are prepared to offload some high-profile players in January to reduce their wage bill.
In recent weeks, Miller has also been looking at a number of trialists.
After handing contracts to Van-delannoite and Nigerian striker Joseph Jojo Ogunnuppe, Italian winger Matteo Quadrini has just ended a trial with Valletta. However, the indications are that Quadrini, who came through the Roma youth ranks, will not be offered a contract.
Champions in the last two seasons, Valletta are going through a troubled spell after a disastrous run of results yielded only win in their last seven league outings.