Birkirkara Welcome Hailey Russell

The Stripes left things late but made a second addition to their squad in this window. Hailey Russell was announced minutes prior to the deadline and will join the attacking unit in the squad. It will mark the American’s first experience in European football.

The twenty-two year old played her college football with California State University (CSU) Bakersfield until summer 2023 where she averaged a goal per 90 minutes played in her final year. She is understood to be staying at the club until the end of the season, with an option for next season as well.

Rumours that the defending champions were on the hunt for a striker were swirling for some time, but seemed to subside once the team announced the arrival of Nanako Kobayashi. However, it seems that the club was on the hunt for two and not one addition in the January window.

As discussed by Jose’ Borg in the ahead of the match against Swieqi United, the Stripes have continued to have a number of players contributing to their goal tally this year. Marta Grosso leads the charge with 14. She is followed by summer signing Arianna Del Moral (9), while Alishia Sultana and Veronique Mifsud have 8 goals each, and Raina Giusti and summer signing Francesca Chircop are tied on 7 goals apiece. The team were also boosted by the return of Sara Saliba in attack, while Ruth Steer-Chetham also forms part of the unit and the two were also on target for the team.

However, the arrival of Russell gives their rivals further to think about as they attempt to limit the Stripes from their hunt for a record equalling twelfth championship. Birkirkara lead the standings by four points following their recent 1-1 draw last week against second-placed Swieqi United. The team will be back in action on Saturday against Hibernians at the Mgarr Ground with a 16:30 kick-off.

Lead Image: California State University Bakersfield

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