Balzan agree terms to sign Malta midfielder Jake Grech in major coup

Balzan have completed another major transfer coup when they reached an agreement with Hibernians to sign midfielder Jake Grech.

The Reds have been one of the most active teams in the close season as they bid to build a competitive squad ahead of their upcoming commitments in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers next month.

In fact, Balzan have already signed Malta international midfielder Triston Caruana, Japanese midfielder Ryohei Michibuchi and Australian forward Charles Lokolingoy.

But no doubt the capture of Jake Grech is a huge statement of intent for Balzan to challenge for major honours in the Premier League next season.

Grech, who in this year’s MFA Awards won the Best Goal of the Season, has been on the books of Hibernians for the past four and a half years after he agreed to join the Paola club in January 2019.

The Malta midfielder has been a key figure for the Paola club and helped the team to lift the Premier League title in season 2020-21.

However, last season the Paolites have struggled for results and failed to challenge for any of the major domestic honours, and ended up missing out on a place in European football.

Balzan stepped up their interest in Grech in the past weeks and opened talks with Hibernians over a possible deal.

After protracted negotiations an agreement was finally reached between the two clubs and the player has also agreed personal terms with the Reds.

Grech is now expected to join Oliver Spiteri’s squad after the international break to start pre-season training as they look step up preparations for their upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifiers.