Ħamrun Spartans are bracing themselves for a major January transfer window, with significant changes expected within the squad as the champions look to reset and strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.
According to various sources close to the club, Jovan Cadjenovic Montenegro’s defensive midfielder, Junior Djile, centre-forward with next to no playing time, the Swiss-Serbian right winger Merlin Hadzi and Bosnian striker Smajlacic are all expected to leave the Spartans during the upcoming transfer window. In addition, Dutch attacker Stijn Meijer could also be on his way out, further reshaping Ħamrun’s attacking department.
In a surprising twist, Domantas Šimkus is now expected to stay, despite earlier indications that the central midfielder could depart. Meanwhile, Ante Ćorić is set to leave the club, adding to the list of experienced players expected to move on in January.
The scale of the departures underlines the magnitude of the task facing the Spartans’ recruitment team, with the January window shaping up to be nothing short of a full-scale squad rebuild.
Ħamrun have already made their first move by announcing the signing of Colombian forward Damir Ceter, adding physicality, experience and depth to their attacking options as they push on in domestic competitions.
Meanwhile, reports emerging from Italian media suggest that the Spartans are also targeting Perugia midfielder Jérémie Broh, a move that would directly address the anticipated gaps in midfield following the confirmed and expected exits.
Club president Joseph Portelli, speaking to Malta Sport in Dublin, was also asked about the future of Matthew Guillamier. Portelli confirmed that he remains in contact with the Maltese international and reiterated his desire to see him return to Ħamrun colours. However, despite ongoing rumours linking Guillamier with a January move, it is understood that such a transfer is more likely to materialise in the summer window rather than imminently.
There is also positive news on the fitness front, with Jonny having fully recovered from injury and set to be reintegrated into the squad, providing a timely boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
With multiple departures confirmed and others expected, it is now almost certain that Ħamrun Spartans will bring in at least one or two midfield reinforcements, alongside additional signings in attacking areas, before the January window closes.
What is clear is that the upcoming transfer window will represent a revolution at Ħamrun Spartans, as the club looks to refresh the squad and find suitable replacements for a number of outgoing players.
Malta Sport will continue to closely monitor Ħamrun Spartans’ movements, as well as transfer activity across the Malta Premier League, throughout the January window.
