Transfer Market roundup
by Ayrton Galea - 1st September 2012
Yesterday evening the 2012 Summer Transfer Market ended, and we are going to present you a detailed roundup of Birkirkara's participation in this period. Like most local clubs, Birkirkara made several changes with the aim of strengthening the squad and so far, it looks that this aim was reached.
New Signings
Birkirkara signed no less than seven players that is, Reuben Gauci, Joselito Dos Reis, Jhonnattann Benites, Zach Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza, Edward Herrera and Godwin Mckay, in this order.
Reuben Gauci
Birkirkara launched the Transfer Market with the signing of the former Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Reuben Gauci who signed a two year contract on Tuesday, 19 June.
Joselito Dos Reis
Joselito Dos Reis was the first foreigner signed in this Transfer Market when the fast forward joined our Club on Wednesday, 4 July. The Brazilian made his debut the day after, in the 2-2 draw against Metalurg Skopje in the first leg of the first round of the Europa League, where he gave a good performance.
Jhonnattann Benites
Birkirkara kept aiming to strengthen their forward line and they signed another Brazilian forward, Jhonnattann Benites. Jhonnattann joined our Club on Friday, 3 August. He made his official debut in the first Premier League match against Melita on the 20 August, where Birkirkara won with a 4-0 score with Jhonnattann scoring the fourth goal.
Zach Muscat
The fourth signing for ‘The Stripes' was a promising youngster who caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, Zach Muscat. He joined our Club on Tuesday 7 August. The utility player made his debut in the first Premier League match against Melita which Birkirkara won with a 4-0 score.
Alejandro Mendoza
Birkirkara signed another defender, the Spanish Alejandro Mendoza who joined our Club one day after Zach, on Wednesday, 8 August. Like Jhonnattann and Zach, he made his debut on the 20 August in the first match of the league against Melita.
Edward Herrera
In the last days of the Transfer Market Birkirkara signed the international defender Edward Herrera on Thursday, 30 August. Edward made his debut one day later, on Friday 31 August, when he was included as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Rabat Ajax.
Godwin McKay
When everybody thought that Birkirkara were done with getting new players, in the last day of the transfer market, Birkirkara managed to acquire another promising youngster namely Godwin McKay.
Loaned players
Birkirkara loaned out five players in this Transfer Market in this order: Alan Tabone, Terence Vella, Leighton Grech, Omar Borg and Patrick Borg.
Alan Tabone
After not playing regularly with our Club, it was agreed that in the best interest of the player, Alan Tabone will be loaned to another Club. On Wednesday, 25 July he was loaned to the 2nd Division side Zebbug Rangers FC.
Terence Vella & Leighton Grech
Two players that were loaned in the 2012 January Transfer Market and then were loaned out again, were the Under 21 International players Terence Vella and Leighton Grech.
Terence was loaned to Hamrun Spartans on Thursday, 2 July, while Leighton Grech was loaned out to Qormi on Friday, 3 July.
Omar Borg
Omar Borg was loaned out to Hamrun Spartans in the past two seasons. This year he agreed to be loaned once again, and on Thursday, 9 August, he joined the 1st Division side, Marsaxlokk FC.
Patrick Borg
Despite signing a fresh contract this summer, it was agreed that in the best interest of both the player and the Club, that Patrick will be loaned to gain more experience and playing time. In the last day of the Transfer Market, he moved to Rabat Ajax for one year.
Renewing Contracts
Birkirkara renewed contracts to three foreigners namely Nikola Vukanac, Jorge Santos Silva and Rodrigo Pereira. However, Rodrigo Pereira and Jorge Santos Silva were released later on, with the latter opting to continue his playing career in Brazil.
Nikola Vukanac
The first foreigner to renew his contract was the Serbian defender Nikola Vukanac who signed a one year extension on Saturday, 12 May.
Jorge Santos Silva
Following the brilliant five month spell with our Club, the committee did not hesitate to offer a new contract to the Brazilian winger which he signed on Tuesday, 15 May.
Rodrigo Pereira
Rodrigo's performances improved from match to match and by the late stage of the season he had established himself as a solid defender. He was offered a new one year contract which he agreed and signed on Monday, 11 June.
Contract not renewed
At the end of the season, Angus Buhagiar and Shaun Bajada did not have their contract extended and the latter moved to Valletta.
Angus Buhagiar
Following a four year spell with our Club, at the end of the 2011-2012 season, Angus did not reach an agreement with our Club. So far he is still without a club.
Shaun Bajada
Shaun Bajada's stay at our Club ended at the end of the 2011-2012 Season when his contract expired. The International midfielder ended his five year spell with our Club by joining arch rivals Valletta on Thursday, 9 August.
Players Released
In this Summer Transfer Market, Birkirkara released three players all foreigners namely Moises Avila Perez, Jorge Santos Silva and Rodrigo Pereira.
Moises Avila Perez
Despite ending as the top scorer for our Club, scoring 15 goals in 27 games, the Spanish striker was not in Birkirkara's plans and he was released Tuesday, 12 May.
Jorge Santos Silva
Despite signing a fresh new contract with our Club on Tuesday, 15 May, Jorge Santos Silva wished to continue his playing career in Brazil and he was released on the 17 July. The release was granted due to the player invoking an opt-out clause in his contract.
Jorge made 17 appearances of which 14 appearances were in the BOV Premier League, one appearance in the U*BET FA Trophy and the last two in the UEFA Europa League. Jorge scored 10 goals with his last goal with our Club in the 2-2 draw home leg match against FK Metalurg Skopje.
Rodrigo Pereira
Like Jorge Santos Silva, Rodrigo also had signed a new contract in the beginning of the 2012-2013 season but he was released on Monday, 6 August. With Birkirkara, Rodrigo made 36 appearances and managed to score six goals.
First Professional Contract
Ryan Scicluna
After having an excellent season with our Club, Ryan Scicluna was offered his first professional contract which he accepted and signed on Wednesday, 1 August.
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