Ħamrun Spartans have moved swiftly to strengthen the foundations of their squad for the 2026/27 campaign by retaining two key foreign defenders, with Vincenzo Polito and Rafael Compri both extending their contracts with the reigning champions. The renewals ensure the pair will continue to occupy two of the club’s foreign player slots next season.
The contract extensions come as the Spartans continue an ambitious summer rebuild ahead of their domestic challenges and UEFA Conference League campaign.
Among the club’s confirmed arrivals are the return of former Croatian international Ante Ćorić, who rejoins the club after his successful spell in Ħamrun, and Nigerian midfielder Jack Ipalibo, who arrives to add power and experience in midfield.
Ħamrun also signed former Hibernians striker Lucas Villela, Congolese defender Messie Biatoumoussoka,Liberian international striker Emmanuel Ernest and Maltese international Jake Grech.
The Spartans have also completed the signing of Norwegian defender Tobias Bjørnstad, further strengthening their defensive options for the new season.
In addition, the club has already confirmed further continuity within the squad, with Brazilian midfielder Emerson Marcelina and Serbian defender Ognjen Bjelicic also signing a new contract to remain black and red.
With Polito, Compri and Emerson retained, alongside the other new arrivals, Ħamrun Spartans have made an early statement of intent as they prepare for another campaign both domestically and in European competition.
