Birkirkara look set to add both youth and experience to their squad with the arrivals of Brazilian defender Yago Cândido dos Anjos and Portuguese midfielder Rafael Vicente Ferreira Santos.
The two players represent different profiles but share the same objective: adding quality to Paul Zammit’s squad ahead of the new Malta Premier League campaign.
Yago Cândido dos Anjos is regarded as one of the brightest young defenders to emerge from the academy of Brazilian giants Corinthians. The 19-year-old is a naturally left-footed centre-back who can also operate at left-back, making him a versatile defensive option. Standing out for his composure in possession and ability to build attacks from the back, Yago has progressed through Corinthians’ youth ranks and recently committed his long-term future to the São Paulo club.
Although he is still awaiting his senior breakthrough in Brazilian football, the move to Malta would provide him with his first opportunity to experience professional football in Europe. At just 19 years of age, Birkirkara would be acquiring a player with significant potential and the opportunity to develop into a long-term asset.
The second arrival is a far more experienced figure. Rafael Vicente Ferreira Santos, commonly known as Rafa Santos, is a 29-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder born in Cascais. Standing 1.87 metres tall, the right-footed midfielder is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder or in a deeper holding role, giving Birkirkara several tactical options in midfield.
Rafa Santos came through the youth systems of Sporting CP, Estoril Praia, Real SC, Oeiras and Casa Pia before embarking on a career that has taken him across Portugal, Poland and Bahrain. During his senior career he has represented Moura, Olímpico Montijo, Amora, Fátima, Oriental, Belenenses SAD, Real SC, Stal Mielec, Al-Shabab Club in Bahrain and most recently Polish side Górnik Łęczna.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2021 when he made his Primeira Liga debut for Belenenses SAD under extraordinary circumstances during the club’s COVID-19 crisis in a match against Benfica. More recently, he featured in Poland with Górnik Łęczna, adding further experience to an already well-travelled career.
The contrasting profiles of the two players suggest Birkirkara are planning for both the present and the future. Yago arrives as a promising young defender capable of developing into a key player, while Rafa Santos brings maturity, versatility and experience gained across several European leagues.
Should both signings be completed, they would provide Birkirkara with additional depth in defence and midfield as the Stripes continue building a squad capable of competing at the top end of the Malta Premier League.
