Malta U-19 midfielder Lucas Caruana to join Serie A side Sampdoria

Youngster to play for Italian club’s Primavera side

Lucas Caruana is set to continue his career abroad after reaching an agreement to join the youth team of Serie A side Sampdoria, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The Malta U-19 international has been attracting the interest of several clubs during the past months but it was Sampdoria who managed to secure his services.

Caruana, who is on the books of Malta champions Hibernians, is seen as one of the most talented young players in Maltese football and since last season he formed part of the Paolites’ first-team squad too.

In fact, he was given his full debut in last season’s final match of the season against Gżira United and came on as a late substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the Champions League first qualifying round first leg match in Ireland last week.

In the last few months, Caruana when for short trials with a number of clubs around Europe.

Caruana had trials with Portuguese sides Boavista and Braga as well as Italian clubs Roma and Monza.

However, in the last few days, Sampdoria entered the race to sign the 16-year-old midfielder and agreed terms to secure his services.

Caruana is expected to travel to Italy on Wednesday to finalise his move.

For Caruana, this move to Sampdoria is a major step in his career that can help him further maximise his undoubted talents.

Caruana’s qualities have also been appreciated by Malta national teams’ head coach Devis Mangia who on several occasions in the last few months has invited the young midfielder to train with the national teams’ senior squad.