Santa Lucia sign defender Soares and forward Hehedosh

Santa Lucia have completed their first two signings during the January transfer window when they have completed the acquisition of Brazilian defender Rodolfo Soares and Ukrainian forward Robert Hehedosh, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The Saints are looking to bolster their squad as they look to turn around what has been so far a disappointing campaign, with the team entangled in a fight to avoid relegation.

Brazilian Rodolfo Soares was the Saints’ first signing of the January transfer window and the experienced defender is likely to be a very important addition to the squad as they look to shore up their defence that has leaked 28 goals in the first 13 matches of the season.

Soares started the season on the books of Hibernians and played a big part in the Paolites’ run to the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

The 37-year-old then remained a regular starter for the Paolites for the majority of the first part of the Premier League season, as he collected 12 appearances.

However, the return from injury of Kurt Shaw, limited his playing time at Hibernians and late last month it was announced that the Paolites decided to release him from his contract.

The Saints opened talks with the veteran defender and an agreement was reached which sees him put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season.

On the other hand, Hehedosh is a new face in Maltese football.

The 29-year-old forward, who has Hungarian descent, was on the books of Ukrainian side Peremoha Dnipro but his contract was suspended following Russia’s invasion into the Ukraine.

In the last few months he had loan spells with Gornik Polkowice in Poland, where he made nine appearances and scored one goal, before heading to Armenian side Pyunik where he collected six appearances.

Meanwhile, Santa Lucia have also decided to part ways with three players from their first-team squad.

Dutch wingback Zvi Jie has been released by the Saints after making eight appearances in the first part of the 2022-23 season.

Colombian forward Erick Moreno has always parted ways with the club, after playing in eight matches for the Saints the season, without finding the net.

Japanese midfielder Reon Saito was also released by Sta Lucia after playing seven times for the club this season.