The January transfer window opened with a major deal yesterday as Paul Fenech agreed terms to leave Birkirkara and join Balzan FC with Edison Bilbao Zarate heading the other way.
Birkirkara and Balzan had reportedly reached agreement during the weekend, seeing international midfielder Fenech joining the Reds on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee with Chile midfielder Bilbao Zarate part of the package deal.
Fenech agreed terms with Balzan yesterday and put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract.
Zarate struck an accord on his personal terms with Birkirkara and he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The transfer move brought to an end a nine-year story Fenech had with Birkir-kara, helping them to two league titles and two FA Trophy winners’ medals. Fenech also won the Super Cup twice with the Stripes as well as the coveted MFA Player of the Year award while donning the red and yellow colours.
“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge with Balzan FC,” Fenech, who had signed a new contract with Birkirkara at the start of the season, told Times of Malta yesterday.
“Birkirkara will always remain an important chapter in my career as with them I have experienced some memorable moments.
“But now I’m already focusing on my new role at Balzan. Their goal is to become one of the major clubs in Maltese football and I think they can do that.
“Last summer, I already felt that it was the right time for me and Birkirkara to go separate ways. But they convinced me to prolong my stay and I decided to sign a new contract.”
Things did not go according to plan for Fenech in the first half of the campaign, however,
“It wasn’t the same as before and there were some factors that made me feel I had opted for the wrong decision in summer and that I should have moved,” he said.
“I bear no grudges. As I said Birkirkara are a great club but I’m just pleased that my future now looks settled at Balzan.”
Fenech is the third major signing made by Balzan this month after the capture of Brazilian forwards Pedrinho and Alan Da Silva Souza.
“We all saw how Balzan have developed into a top-notch club over the last few years,” Fenech said.
“This season they’ve shown more signs of ambition with the transfer signing of Ryan Fenech, in summer, as well as Pedrinho, Alan Da Silva Souza and myself this month.
“There is talent in the squad and Balzan can go a long way this season. I’m thrilled to be here and ready to give my all for my new club.”
Elsewhere, Tarxien Rainbows have decided to part with forward Danilo.
This season, the Brazilian had joined the Rainbows for a second spell but failed to leave his mark.