Valletta sign Santiago Ferraris and Jhonnattann Benites
01/09/2023
Valletta FC has announced the signing of Argentine attacking midfielder Santiago Ferraris and Jhonnattann Benites.
Santiago arrives at the capital club following a positive season with Marsaxlokk.
Ferraris arrived at Marsaxlokk FC at the start of last season and played a key role in helping the southerners to a successful return to the Maltese top-flight as he helped the team to avoid relegation.
At Marsaxlokk, Ferraris made 24 league appearances and scored two goals.
Prior to his arrival in Malta, Ferraris spent a few seasons in the youth ranks of Argentine club Arsenal FC.
Jhonnattann Benites
Jhonnattann Benites is back to Valletta FC after the Brazilian striker has agreed a return to the Premier League club.
The 34-year-old striker returns to Maltese football after an absence of six years.
In season 2012-13, Jhonnattann was brought to Malta by Valletta, and with the Citizens he played during the Euro Cup matches and in the 1st round of the UEFA Champions League commitments. He scored a brace in the first leg in the trashing 8-0 win over Lusitans, and also scored the winning goal in the away leg. However, Valletta failed to reach an agreement with Jhonnattann over his contract and the club released him.
Jhonnattann joined Birkirkara in August 2012, he signed a three-year contract. His first season was a memorable one as he led the Stripes to the Premier League title. The following year he headed to the Middle East when he joined Al-Muharraq in the Bahraini league.
In the summer of 2015, he was back in Maltese football, this time with Valletta and he enjoyed two excellent seasons that were highlighted by helping the Citizens to the league title in 2015-16.
After leaving Valletta, Jhonnattann returned to the Middle East where he played in Saudi Arabia with Al-Batin, Al-Taawoun, Al-Sahel Club, Al-Kholood and Najran SC.
In all, Jhonnattann made 79 appearances in the Premier League scoring 39 goals and provided 32 assists.
On behalf of the Club’s official website we would like to welcome both players and wish them the best of luck with our club.
Photos: Valletta FC Media
