Malta Under 21 striker Andrea Zammit joins Birkirkara FC

Birkirkara FC completed a major transfer coup when they agreed to sign striker Andrea Zammit on Tuesday.

The young striker has agreed personal terms with the Stripes and put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old striker has been looking for a new club since last month when he reached an agreement to part ways with Italian club ACR Messina after struggling to secure regular football with the Serie C side.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Times of Malta Sport (@timesofmaltasport)

Zammit had left a positive impression at the Italian club. Still, his chances of playing more regular football were hampered by a regulation that forces teams to field four Italian U-23 during their domestic matches, with the coach preferring to utilise young homegrown players rather than fielding the Maltese forward.

The former San Ġwann striker only made three substitute appearances with the club and that prompted Zammit to hold talks with the Messina top hierarchy to leave the club.

On his return to Malta, Zammit started to mull his options of where he could continue his football career, as he received offers from both Maltese and foreign clubs.

Spartans vs Stripes

Ħamrun Spartans were the first club to get in touch with the player and at the start of this week, Zammit also held talks with Birkirkara.

Talks had been ongoing with the two clubs during the past 48 hours before Zammit finally decided to join the Stripes.

For Birkirkara, the acquisition of Zammit is seen as a major boost as they are acquiring one of the most talented forwards in Maltese football.

The Stripes are looking to step up their bid to push their way back in the battle for European football next season and the arrival of Zammit is a huge lift for the club after they lost the services of Malta midfielder Yannick Yankam who agreed to join US club Lexington SC.

The Stripes are set to be Zammit’s second club in the Maltese Premier League after he joined the Capital Club in January 2022 and spent 18 months there before he decided to join ACR Messina.

Zammit is the Malta U-21 captain and has made 16 appearances, scoring four goals.