Goalkeeper Henry Bonello has allayed the uncertainty over his future by joining Hibernians from Sliema Wanderers on a season-long loan deal.
Daniel Balzan, who started Hibs’ Europa League matches against Spartak Trnava last month, is moving to Sliema Wanderers, also on a loan basis, as part of the agreement between the two BOV Premier League clubs.
As reported by Times of Malta last week, Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic had made the signing of an experienced goalkeeper one of his top priorities during the close season.
After identifying Bonello as their no.1 target, Hibernians struck an agreement with Sliema Wanderers but the deal took longer than expected to be finalised as the 25-year-old requested more time to consider his options.
Birkirkara also entered the race to sign Bonello amid question marks over the future of Spanish goalkeeper Adrian Murcia Sanchez, who had joined the Stripes before their Europa League commitments against Hungary’s Diosgyor, but their hopes were dashed yesterday when the towering goalkeeper sealed his loan move to Hibernians who have the option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
The fact that his father John enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Hibernians was probably one of the main reasons why Henry Bonello chose the club from Paola over Birkirkara.
Bonello looked to have established himself as Sliema’s first-choice goalkeeper in the last two years but Glenn Zammit, who had impressed while the former was recovering from injury in 2012/13, regained the upperhand towards the end of last season.
Zammit will start the new season as Sliema’s no.1 goalkeeper but Balzan is expected to be given the chance to press his claims for a regular place in the team.
As far as Hibs are concerned, they also have the promising Juergen Borg on their books but they were determined to bring in a more established goalkeeper as a replacement for veteran Mario Muscat.
Needing to play only two more games to amass 500 appearances in the Premier League, Muscat is expected to be given the opportunity to achieve that landmark in a Hibs shirt following talks with Nisevic.
It is believed that Nisevic has promised to field Muscat in two of Hibs’ opening three Premier League matches and after that, the former Malta international will make a decision on his future.
Muscat, who turns 38 on August 18, spent the second half of last season on loan with Vittoriosa Stars.
Nisevic is also seeking to add another foreign player to his squad. At present, the Hibs coach is giving a trial to Serbian defender Djuro Jandric and Nigerian striker Muda Fagbeja.
With Jonathan Pearson likely to be sidelined for several weeks due to a medical problem, Nisevic may opt to strengthen his defensive options.
Meanwhile, the Malta FA yesterday released the BOV Premier League fixtures for season 2014/15.
Opening programme
August 16 (National Stadium): 18.30 Tarxien Rainbows vs Sliema Wanderers; 20.30 Floriana vs Hibernians. (Tedesco Stadium) 18.30 Birkirkara vs Pietà Hotspurs; 20.45 Balzan vs Żebbuġ Rangers.
August 17 (National Stadium): 18:30 Qormi vs Naxxar Lions; 20.30 Mosta vs Valletta.