Justin Haber is on the verge of making a return to his hometown club in the BOV Premier League after reaching an agreement with Floriana FC.
The much-travelled 35-year-old goalkeeper was seeking a move away from Hibernians this summer following the arrival of An-drew Hogg from Greek League outfit Kalloni FC.
Balzan also showed strong interest in Haber in the off-season but he already had his heart set on another stint with the Greens.
Yesterday, Haber struck a deal with Floriana as the two clubs reached a verbal agreement on the transfer move.
On Monday, Haber will put pen to paper on a two-year contract, with an option for a third year, before attending his first training session with Giovanni Tedesco’s team.
He will be making a return to Floriana after a 14-year absence which saw him play overseas in Bulgaria, France, Hungary and England apart from spells with Birkirkara, Marsaxlokk, Mosta and Hibs in the Premier League.
“I’m really happy to be finally returning home,” Haber told Times of Malta yesterday.
“The first match of the season is just one week away and I was desperate to settle my future. Balzan were also interested but my wish had always been to return to Floriana. Now, I’m delighted that an agreement has been reached.
“I would like to thank my representative Matthew Paris. He was so instrumental in seeing this transfer deal completed.”
Haber is unlikely to be Floriana’s last signing before the start of the new Premier League season though as Tedesco is currently looking to reinforce his attack with president Riccardo Gaucci stepping up his efforts to land an Italian forward.
City not in the market
Valletta coach Paul Zammit made it clear his club was not in the market for a new striker despite having Michael Mifsud and Jhonnattann joining Federico Falcone in the treatment room after hobbling off in the Summer Cup final against Sliema Wanderers last week.
Zammit said Falcone is now in his final week of rehabilitation after a thigh injury in the Champions League match at home to Red Star last month.
“Michael Mifsud has an inflammation on his foot and Jhonnattann strained his hamstring in the Summer Cup final. Both players were withdrawn as a precaution,” Zammit said.
“We expect them back for training in a matter of days. As regards Falcone he will undergo another scan on Monday before the go-ahead to join the group. Hopefully, all three will be available for our league opener against Sliema next Friday.”
Elsewhere, Tarxien Rainbows added three promising players to the squad after sealing season-long loan deals for goalkeeper Philip Schranz, defender Daniel Zerafa and midfielder Kurt Zammit, all from Birkirkara.
For Zerafa this will be his second spell at Tarxien after forming part of Jacques Scerri’s squad last season.
Scerri, meanwhile, is also running the rule on Julian Galea.
The Melita striker is currently training with the Rainbows but no decision has yet been taken regarding his future.
This has been a busy summer for Scerri who also added another overseas player to his squad following the arrival of Spaniard Dani Ponce.
The 25-year-old winger, who was on the books of AD Alcorcon last year, agreed terms over a one-year contract.
Newly-promoted Gżira United strengthened their squad with the signing of two Brazilian players – Roberto De Pinho de Souza and Joceano Da Silva Santos.
De Souza enjoyed successful spells with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch league and also played for La Liga side Real Betis.