Luxol St Andrews have completed their second major signing this summer after securing the services of highly-rated midfielder Joseph Farrugia.
A number of clubs, including Sliema Wanderers and Mosta, were keen on Farrugia but the former Qormi captain chose to continue his career with St Andrews who last week acquired English goalkeeper Matthew Towns.
Farrugia, who turns 31 later this month, has inked a three-year deal with St Andrews after concluding talks with Steve Abela, the Division One club’s new president, on Wednesday.
Farrugia’s decision to drop one division will come as a surprise to many, given his experience and strong reputation, but the midfielder was lured by the Saints’ ambition to mount a serious challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
“I’m delighted to have signed for St Andrews,” Farrugia told The Times. “I had offers from Premier League clubs but I believe that I’ve made the best decision for my career.
“The club’s aim is to win promotion to the Premier League and this is a new challenge for me. I will be giving my all to help St Andrews reach their objective.”
Quitting Qormi after six seasons will not have been easy for Farrugia who was a favourite with the fans.
“I want to thank the Qormi supporters,” Farrugia said. “I’ve made many friends during my time there. I decided to leave Qormi for personal reasons.”
Farrugia has been impressed with the organisation and set-up at St Andrews. “They have excellent facilities and an organised set-up,” Farrugia said.
“Their nursery is also one of the best in the country. The people at Luxol run the club on a professional basis.
“As I’ve said, their main target is to get into the Premier League. It will not be easy to achieve that this season as the first division league promises to be very competitive but we are willing to do well.”
Having played a key role in persuading Farrugia to join St Andrews, club president Abela was understandably delighted to have secured his main target.
“Following the signing of goalkeeper Matthew Towns last week, our priority was to bring in another experienced player in midfield to lead our young team,” Abela said in a club statement.
“Joseph Farrugia fits the bill perfectly and we are delighted that he has chosen Luxol after being courted by a host of Premier League clubs.
“His decision to join St Andrews shows that he believes in our project.”
St Andrews, who have confirmed Wayne Attard as their coach for next season, are expected to maintain their recruitment drive in the coming weeks.
Champions Valletta are engaged in efforts to sign a Brazilian midfielder ahead of their matches against Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
Mark Miller, the City coach, has set his sights on Joao Gabriel Da Silva. The 28-year-old was on the books of Slovenian club NK Maribor in the last two years but spent 2011/12 on loan with NK Nafta Lendava who filed for bankruptcy at the end of last season.
Valletta’s pursuit of Da Silva, who is expected to arrive in Malta this morning, and Nigerian forward Frank Temile raises serious question marks about the future of the three Brazilian players, Jusselio, Ricardo and Jhonnattann, who joined the club in the close season.
Meanwhile, Tarxien Rainbows are set to make their first signing ahead of the 2012/13 campaign after striking a deal with a Brazilian player who has never played here before.
Almir, an attacking midfielder, was due to report for his first training session under Tarxien coach Danilo Doncic yesterday after landing in Malta on Wednesday night.
The Rainbows are still chasing Malta U-21 defender Zach Muscat who is believed to fancy a move to a Premier League club.
Muscat has come through the youth ranks of Division One club Pietà Hotspurs who have confirmed Joseph Sammut as president.