It's Him, Raúl!
Hong Kang Leong's replacement would not be long in coming, as
Tian Yonghang unveiled his new Number Five - Spaniard
Raúl Himadas. The 29 year-old cost S$3.9 million from Bulgarian III.12 side Spirtak(ot varna), with new boss Mauro Luque Marin swinging the axe hard with a view towards regaining their Vissha Liga status as soon as possible. Alejandro Otero, Ventzislav Mirchev and Dennis Blackwell have already departed in the last couple of weeks, to make way for Marin's new signings.
Though Himadas might no longer make the cut at Spirtak, Tian regarded him as a perfect fit for this Grilled team, specifically in the role of defensive foil to
Ha Qicai and set-piece specialist, that Hong had filled. "Only, Himadas is about five years younger, so his pace should still be there." the head coach added. "I mean, it's not like the supporters couldn't see that was the issue with Kang Leong, his other strengths besides."
Himadas had stayed just over a season with Spirtak after less than half a year with Andorran third division side Los Tamarros, where he never quite fit in. Before that, he had grown his professional career in Italy with Gamblers 2007, who splashed out almost S$10 million for him to his original H.I. club Armuña FC - who are now defunct. 30 year-old Dane Evald Taaning of Italian Division six club Curciomanduria was said to be considered too, but he left for Argentine III.6 winners Club Social y Deportivo Union de Zapala.
"Very few teenagers can command a transfer fee of near eight figures, which just goes to show the innate talent that Himadas had... and has." Tian said. "He has quite a few years left at his peak, and hopefully he will be spending them with us."