Justin Haber’s transfer saga finally came to a conclusion yesterday evening as the Malta goalkeeper completed his pro-longed negotiations to move from Mosta FC to Premier League rivals Birkirkara.
Haber had been looking for a way out of Mosta in this transfer window after citing lack of ambition on his club to challenge for the major honours.
Mosta started the year a couple of points away from the leading team in the championship but, first, they let go Burkina Faso winger Ousseni Zongo and then they decided to part ways with experienced duo Luke Dimech and Daniel Bogdanovic, both Malta internationals.
Their departures weakened Steve D’Amato’s squad by no small measure and undermined their hopes of making a push for European football next season.
Haber informed the club that he wanted to seek pastures new as he sought to mark his return from overseas football with a major honour in the domestic scene.
Birkirkara were his prime suitors and a deal was reportedly agreed between the two parties. However, when all seemed set for the transfer to go through, a last-minute hitch scuppered the move and Haber vented his anger at the end of a 1-3 upset to Tarxien last week.
“Mosta were a championship stuff team and I can’t understand why so suddenly they decided to throw in the towel and let so many talented players go,” he was quoted as saying.
After that the two clubs pulled out of the deal but interest was revived on Thursday and yesterday Haber’s representative Matthew Paris said in a joint statement with Mosta that it had been mutually agreed to have the 31-year-old goalkeeper’s contract rescinded.
That paved the way for the former Sheffield United and Ferencvaros no.1 to start a fresh round of talks with the Stripes that concluded with Haber putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal.
“I’m relieved that my future is now settled,” Haber told The Times yesterday evening.
“I would like to thank Mosta for giving me the opportunity to play for them in the last six months during which the team achieved some excellent results.”
“Now I’m looking forward to start my second spell with Birkirkara,” added Haber who played for the Stripes between 2002 and 2005.
“I’m sure that the coach and the players will help me to settle in nicely and, hopefully, I will be able to fulfil my ambition and win the league title with Birkirkara.”
Birkirkara play Mosta in a BOV Premier League match at the National Stadium today (kick-off: 2pm). However, Haber will not be in Paul Zammit’s squad and is likely to make the squad on Wednesday when Birkirkara play Qormi in a FA Trophy fourth round match at the Centenary Stadium.
Reuben Gauci is sure to keep his place in Birkirkara’s goal today as Nigerian Ini Akpan is ruled out with a one-match ban.
Zammit will also rely on defenders Rodrigo Pereira and Nikola Vukanac and midfielders Gareth Sciberras and Ryan Camenzuli who all missed the 1-0 defeat to Valletta.
Another boost for Birkirkara will be the return of striker Joselito, who has been out since August. The Brazilian has now completed his rehabiliation from ankle surgery and is set to form part of the squad.
Meanwhile, Haber’s departure forced Mosta to act quickly yesterday to bring in a replacement as reserve goal-keeper Noel Attard is ruled out with a one-match ban.
The Blues, in fact, agreed terms to bring in Jeffrey Farrugia on loan from Dingli Swallows until the end of the season.
However, another player to leave Mosta yesterday was midfielder Firas Aboulezz who joined Balzan.
D’Amato is left with little options at Mosta as Steve Bezzina, Alex Cini, Kurt Zammit, Obinna Obiefule and Giancarlo Sammut are all out injured.
Italian midfielder Fabio Vigna-roli is expected to arrive today but will not be available. His compatriot Sam Dalla Bona, also linked with a move to Mosta this week, is unlikely to follow suit though.
It is understood that Dalla Bona was due in Malta for talks on January 20. Yesterday, it emerged that initial talks had failed to lure the former Milan and Chelsea midfielder to the Maltese league.
First round result: Mosta vs Birkirkara 0-1.