Ħamrun Spartans secured a major transfer coup when they signed former Roma and CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia.
Doumbia is without doubt the most high-profile signing in this month’s transfer window in the Maltese Premier League as the veteran forward was on the books of several top sides in Europe such as Roma, CSKA Moscow, Newcastle and Sporting Lisbon.
As reported by the Times of Malta two weeks ago, the Ivory Coast striker was brought to Malta by the Premier League leaders to start a trial with the club.
The Reds were keen to check on the fitness of the veteran foward who had been without a club this season.
Doumbia underwent a short trial at the club last week and has impressed coach Mark Buttigieg and his assistant Stefan Sultana who gave their go-ahead to the club to offer the player a contract.
Negotiations between the two parties were anything but easy as Doumbia’s initial demands were seen as too high, however, the Spartans top hierarchy managed to find an agreement and the player has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season.
Doumbia is not expected to be part of the Ħamrun Spartans squad for Wednesday’s highly-awaited Premier League clash against Valletta but could make his debut against Senglea Athletic.
Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
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