![](https://cdn-sport.timesofmalta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/o_16984240_1024-1.jpg)
Sliema Wanderers have reached an agreement to sign Croatian goalkeeper Josip Bender, the Times of Malta can reveal.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has agreed personal terms with last season’s FA Trophy winners and is set to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
The Wanderers courted Bender as the Blues were looking to bring in a valuable replacement for Malta goalkeeper Rashed Al-Tumi who has joined Moldovan giants Sheriff Tiraspol.
The towering goalkeeper arrives in Malta with a distinguished CV that saw him play for some of the strongest teams in both Croatia as well as Bosnia and Herzegogina.
In fact, after coming through the youth ranks of Hajduk Split, he donned the colours of Primorac and, RNK Split as well as NK Zadar.
In season 2023-24, he moved to Bosnia and Herzegovina where he played for top-flight side Siroki Brijeg.
Bender is expected to battle for the no.1 jersey at Sliema Wanderers who are finalising their preparations ahead of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie against the winner of the tie between FC Noah, of Armenia, and KF Shkendija, of Macedonia.
The Croatian goalkeeper has already made his first appearance for Sliema Wanderers when he guarded their goal during last weekend’s friendly against Żabbar St Patrick.
![](https://cdn-sport.timesofmalta.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sportsdesklogosmall-noT.png)
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