Hibernians sign Brazilian defender Sergio Raphael

Ryan Darmanin joins Sirens

Hibernians continued with their transfer activity when they reached an agreement to sign Brazilian defender Sergio Raphael.

The towering Brazilian started the season with Sirens but the Paolites have now reached an agreement with the St Paul’s Bay outfit to secure the services of the former Ħamrun Spartans defender until the end of the season.

Raphael has been playing in Malta for the last three years now. He arrived in Malta when he joined Ħamrun Spartans and last season he moved to Sirens where he helped the team to an historic qualification to the Europa League.

The arrival of Raphael further strengthens the defensive options for Italian coach Stefano Sanderra who can now boast more back-up for his regular defensive trio of Andrei Agius, Leandro and Almeida and Ferdinando Apap.

Meanwhile, Sirens have brought in experienced striker Ryan Darmanin as a replacement for the departing Michael Mifsud.

Darmanin was on the books Lija Athletic but struggled for first-team football this season. He now moves to Sirens where he rejoins his former mentor Giovanni Tedesco with whom he worked during his spell at Ħamrun Spartans two seasons ago.

Meanwhile another player who is set to leave Sirens is Brazilian defender Romeo Romau.

The veteran wing back is not part of the plans of Giovanni Tedesco and has been informed that he can look for another club.