Floriana to part ways with Armenian midfielder Hovsepyan

Floriana FC are set to part ways with Armenia midfielder Rumyan Hovsepyan, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The 2022 FA Trophy winners are currently looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their UEFA Conference League commitments this summer.

The club’s technical set-up has analysed the squad and it was decided that Hovsepyan will not be retained for next season.

The Armenian international joined Floriana during the January transfer window and played an important role in the club’s title push and eventual success in the FA Trophy final where they beat Valletta 2-1 after extra-time.

Hovsepyan, who was on the books of Armenian side Alashkert FC with whom he played in the Europa League group stages, made eight appearances with Floriana, scoring one goal in the Premier League, a fine solo strike in a 2-2 draw against Ħamrun Spartans.

Floriana have also decided to part ways with three other overseas players, namely Kristian Keqi, Brian Gimenez and Eugeniu Rebenja.

Keqi had been at Floriana for the past three seasons and played a key role in the club’s Premier League title success in 2019-20.

But since then the Albanian attacking midfielder struggled to leave his mark at Floriana and this season he made 19 appearances for the club, mostly from the bench, scoring four goals.

On the other hand, Gimenez and Rebenja joined Floriana midway through the 2021-22 season but they struggled for first team football.

Floriana are now scouring the market in search of valid replacements but so far negotiations are still at a preliminary stage.