Ħamrun Spartans sign French defender Dielna

Reds bring young Parma defender on loan

Ħamrun Spartans have completed their second signing of the January transfer window when they reached an agreement to sign French defender Claude Dielna.

The Reds were looking to bolster their defence this month in their bid to stay in the hunt for a title push as they are currently leading the Premier League standings after the first-round of matches were completed.

Dielna, who had been without a club for several months, arrived in Malta this week for a short trial at the club and is understood to have left a good impression on coach Mark Buttigieg and his assistant Stefan Sultana who both gave their green light to recruit the veteran defender.

Personal terms were agreed and Dielan put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season.

Dielna has played in several countries throughout his career as he was on the books of Greek side Olympiakos, Slovan Bratislava, of Slovakia, and England’s Sheffield Wednesday among others.

He also had a spell in the American MLS where he played for New England Revolution and Portland Timbers.

Dielna is unlikely to feature for Ħamrun Spartans in Friday’s match against Sirens as the Reds look to help him regain match fitness. He is likely to make his debut in next week’s clash against Sta Lucia.

Meanwhile, Ħamrun Spartans have also signed young Italian defender Michele Laraspata.

The 19-year-old flank defender has arrived on loan from Parma.

Although the young defender will start training with the senior squad, it is understood that the player will be playing with the club’s youth team and will eventually be promoted to the first team if he impresses enough.