Malta Sport’s exclusive transfer story has now been officially confirmed. After exclusively revealing on 6 July that Ħamrun Spartans were working to bring Saliou Thioune back to the club, the Spartans have now confirmed with Malta Sport the return of the 22-year-old Italian forward.
The Italian striker is no stranger to the Ħamrun supporters. During the 2025–26 season, he made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and playing a key role in one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history.
His most memorable moments came in Europe, where he scored in both legs of the UEFA Conference League play-off, helping Ħamrun Spartans secure a historic qualification to the league phase of a UEFA competition for the first time in the club’s history.
After leaving Ħamrun in January 2026, Thioune joined ML Vitebsk in the Belarusian Premier League before later spending time on loan with Naftan Novopolotsk, continuing his development in Belarusian football.
Despite his spell abroad, Thioune consistently made no secret of his desire to return to Malta, where he had enjoyed the best period of his young career and forged a strong bond with the club and its supporters.
On 6 July, Malta Sport exclusively revealed that negotiations between the player and Ħamrun Spartans were at an advanced stage. That exclusive has now been fully confirmed, with the club officially announcing the signing of the Italian forward.
Thioune’s return gives Stefano Sanderra further attacking firepower. The Italian forward combines natural poaching instincts inside the penalty area with excellent technical ability, explosive pace and the confidence to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. His movement off the ball, dribbling ability, and versatility across the attacking line make him a valuable addition as Ħamrun continue to strengthen a squad determined to compete both domestically and in Europe.
