Although the season is not yet over – the U*Bet FA Trophy final is to be played tomorrow – it is a known fact that some teams have started moving in their bids to strengthen their squads for next season.
Valletta are expected to be the most active club in the summer especially if they fail to gain entry in the Intertoto Cup.
Last week it was announced that Birkirkara, after such a disastrous season as the past one, may make a considerable reshuffle in their squad with a decision about four of their players still to be taken at the end of the season.
Birkirkara do not yet know whether they will be taking part in the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup and they have to wait till tomorrow evening to know their fate. If Sliema win, they will play in the UEFA Cup. A victory for Hibernians will see them taking part in the Intertoto Cup.
In such a scenario, the Stripes will have to play with the same squad of last season, even if one of them, Argentine striker Dario Larrossa has had his contract terminated prematurely.
At present coach John Buttigieg has given the players the whole week off. If the club has to take part in the Intertoto Cup, they will have to resume training as from next Monday.
Sources close to the club said preliminary work over the rebuilding of the side is already in hand, but little is known about the plans for the immediate future.
In the meantime, Valletta, who in all probability, will have former Marsaxlokk president Victor Schriha in their administration team next term, are already linked with some players and these include at least three Birkirkara players – Roderick Briffa, Kenneth Scicluna and William Camenzuli.
If Schriha is elected to sit on the City committee, one might expect an influx of players to strengthen the side and make it much more competitive than it has been in the past few seasons.
Another Birkirkara player, Etienne Barbara, had been a target of Sliema Wanderers in the past, but it is not known whether Sliema will be retaining their interest in the player. This is because, according to other sources, the Blues are harbouring hopes of reaching a deal with Marsaxlokk striker Daniel Bogdanovic.
A return to the Blues fold by Bogdanovic could be on the cards, but the Malta striker is also being tempted with an offer to play abroad next season though there is nothing official yet.
Sliema Wanderers are also thought to be considering a bid for Floriana and Malta defender Ian Azzopardi who had been a target for Birkirkara near the end of last year.
Two other players in demand during the summer could be Msida’s goalkeeper Omar Borg and Under 21 international midfielder Paul Fenech. They both had an outstanding season.
Borg is thought to be attracting the interest of Hibernians, at least, while Valletta, newly promoted Hamrun Spartans and Birkirkara have been linked with a move for Fenech. In any case, even the best loan deal might convince Msida to part company with the players.