Valletta FC have announced the signing of one of their new foreign players ahead of the January transfer window, confirming the return of Diogo João Regala de Figueiredo Tavares to Maltese football.

The 27-year-old Portuguese attacker, formerly of Żabbar St Patrick FC, has reached an agreement with Valletta and will once again ply his trade in Malta. Tavares had left Żabbar last summer to join SC São João de Ver, a Portuguese Liga 3 side owned by former Brazilian international Dani Alves.

During the current season, Tavares featured regularly for São João de Ver in Portugal. However, following his positive experience in Malta with Żabbar St Patrick, Valletta made contact with the player after identifying him as a profile suited to strengthening their squad.

A versatile attacking player, Tavares is capable of operating both as a striker and as a winger, and is effective with either foot. He spent one season in Malta with Żabbar St Patrick, where he made 32 appearances and scored ten goals during the 2024/25 campaign.

Last season, the Portuguese forward played a key role in helping Żabbar St Patrick achieve their objective of retaining their place in the Malta Premier League. His attacking versatility, combined with his work rate and tactical awareness, makes him a valuable addition to Thane Micallef’s squad.

Following Valletta’s announcement of the termination of Jefferson’s contract, the arrival of Tavares can be seen as a natural replacement for the Brazilian forward, who previously represented Sliema Wanderers, Nadur Youngsters and Gżira United.

Considering that last season, under Italian coach Aniello Parisi, Tavares was deployed in a variety of attacking roles, his signing is expected to provide Valletta with greater strength and tactical flexibility going forward.