Joseph Mbong joins Israeli club Ironi Kiryat Shmona on loan

Ħamrun Spartans have announced that they have agreed to send winger Joseph Mbong on loan to Israeli Premier League club Ironi Kiryat Shmona for the 2022-23 season.

The Malta international player has been attracting interest from overseas clubs for several months now and he made no secret of his desire to pursue his career with a foreign club.

In a statement, Ħamrun Spartans said that they had held discussions with Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona for the last few weeks and an agreement has finally been reached both with the player and the Israeli club.

The Spartans said that as part of the deal agreed, the Israeli club have an option to make the transfer a permanent one and Ħamrun will receive a percentage on a future sale.

“We would like to announce that player Joseph Mbong will be transferred to the Israeli Premier Division Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona FC,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“Negotiations and discussion have been going on for these last few weeks and an agreement has been reached with the Hamrun and National Team Player Joseph Mbong and the Israeli Club Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona FC.

“The transfer agreement between Ħamrun Spartans to the Israeli club is based on the following conditions – 1. Loan for Season 2022/2023 at an Agreed Fee; Option of a Permanent Transfer at an Agreed Fee; Percentage on Future Sale at an Agreed Rate.

“We would like to thank the player for his services to the Club during these two seasons, and wish all success in his new international adventure.”

Mbong has been one of the most promising Maltese players in the Premier League in the last few years and he has also managed to establish himself in the Malta national team.

The lateral winger joined the Spartans in season 2020-21 when he helped the club to secure their first league title after an absence of 30 years.

Last season, Mbong made 24 appearances with the Spartans, scoring three goals and providing three assists.