Champions Hibernians have completed their first signing ahead of the 2015/16 season after acquiring Gilmar on a one-year loan deal from Naxxar Lions.

The Brazilian playmaker, who last month extended his contract with Naxxar for three more years, was one of the outstanding performers in the BOV Premier League last season.

At Hibernians, Gilmar will team up with a host of fellow Brazilian players, namely Jorginho, Jackson Lima and Rodolfo Soares.

Naxxar Lions, who secured their Premier League status on the final day of the season, have embarked on a rebuilding process. David Vella was elected as president this week, succeeding Dione Drago who has decided to call time on his long tenure at the helm of the Lions.

Stefano Grima, who served as assistant to Jesmond Zerafa last season, has been promoted to first-team coach.

Now working on a reduced budget, Naxxar are expected to rely on Maltese players next season. The Lions have terminated the contract of Brazilian Jorge.

Speculation was rife yesterday that Jorge had rejoined Birkirkara but his representative, Edoardo Do Nascimento, told Times of Malta that the former Tarxien winger is still weighing up his options amid interest from a host of clubs.

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