Division One club Luxol St Andrews may have pulled off a transfer coup after completing the signing of the up-and-coming Miguel Hamutenya who was on the books of Rangers.
Hamutenya agreed a contract with the Gers in December after impressing during trials but according to his agent, the 19-year-old right-back had to seek pastures new last month after failing to secure a work permit.
“We explored every option to obtain a work permit for Miguel Hamutenya to play for Rangers but this proved to be difficult,” a Luxol statement quoted Scottish agent Jonathan Hope as saying.
“This (situation) baffles me but after receiving permission from Rangers, I pursued other options for Miguel to join another club in Europe.
“Rangers need to be praised for their efforts in doing their utmost to secure this document.
“After seeing which countries offered Miguel the best chance to develop his talent, there was no question that he would be best placed in Malta.
“After meeting St Andrews president Paul Falzon, I was left in no doubt that this club was the right one. St Andrews is a family club and we both felt very well received.
“I am confident Miguel will be looked after and, more importantly, receive the correct coaching to become a better player.
“Miguel will return to the UK, perhaps with Rangers. They will continue to monitor his progress closely.”
During his stay in Malta, Hope set his sights on Luxol’s Libyan midfielder Arafa Elnnakoa.
“I have made some calls and two Championship clubs are prepared to make an offer for the player (Elnnakoa) to join them in May,” Hope said.
“Arafa is an attacking midfielder who displays strength and technique that I see on a daily basis in the English Premiership.
“I’m confident that he will play in the UK next year.”
Hope thanked Paul Falzon and Mike Falzon, Luxol’s team mana-ger, for their hospitality.
The presentation of Hamutenya as a Luxol player took place in the presence of Mark Grima, director of Canas Y Tapas, the Division One club’s main sponsors.
Luxol, who are coached by Wayne Attard, are fourth in the Division One table with 19 points from 11 matches.