Balzan FC sign former Fiorentina and Sampdoria defender Gulan

Balzan FC have signed former Fiorentina defender Nikola Gulan, the Premier League side announced in a statement.

The Reds are looking to bolster their squad as they look to mount a serious challenge for a place in the Championship Pool.

Balzan are currently looking to bolster their defence following injuries to Samir Arab and Michael Johnson.

“Balzan F.C. is pleased to announce the signing of 32-year-old Serbian defender Nikol Gulan , who has played for a variety of top clubs in the past in Italy, Serbia and Belgium,” the club said in a statement.

On his part club president Anton Tagliaferro said: “ We are very pleased to welcome Nikola to Balzan to help us for the rest of the season. Injuries to our Maltese international defenders Samir Arab and Michael Johnson has left the squad s a bit short at the back and Nikola’s presence will be a great help in helping us target a top 6 spot this season.

“I would like to thank Balzan’s Sporting Director Vladimir Simovic for his involvement in signing up another top Serbian player for Balzan.”

Gulan came through the youth ranks of Partizan Belgrade and in August 2007 he joined Serie A side Fiorentina.

During his time in Tuscany, Gulan also had a loan spell at Sampdoria before he moved to Germany where he played for 1860 Munich.

In 2009, he returned to Fiorentina and for the next four years he remained in Italy where he also played for Empoli, Chievo Verona and Modena.

During his career, Gulan also had a spell in Spain with Mallorca.

In 2015 he joined Belgian side Mouscron and also played in Israel with Hapoel Haifa.

Last season, Gulan was on the books of Swedish side Hacken.

Gulan is expected the first of three high-profile signings made by Balzan as they look to step up their chase for European football next season.