South Korean side Seongnam FC have announced the permanent signing of Brazilian midfielder Elionay Freitas from Maltese champions Ħamrun Spartans.

The 28-year-old had been on the books of the K-League 2 club since the end of last June, after agreeing to a move to East Asia following a highly successful two-year spell with the Spartans. His consistent performances in South Korea convinced Seongnam FC’s top officials to make the move permanent, with the club agreeing to pay a transfer fee to the Malta Premier League champions.

During his time at Ħamrun, Elionay was a key figure in midfield, helping the club secure two league titles and two Super Cup triumphs. He opted to leave the Spartans at the end of the 2024–25 season to pursue a new challenge abroad, a decision that has now been fully justified by his impact in South Korea.

The combative midfielder quickly established himself as a mainstay for Seongnam FC, making 20 appearances and scoring four goals during his loan spell. His influence and consistency ultimately paved the way for a permanent switch.

For Ħamrun Spartans, the funds generated from Elionay’s transfer come at an important time, as the club continues to scour the market in a bid to strengthen their squad ahead of the second part of the season. The Spartans are also expected to part ways with some players in order to create space for further reinforcements.

Ħamrun are coming off a historic first half of the 2025–26 campaign, having become the first Maltese club to reach the League Phase of a UEFA club competition after qualifying for the proper phase of the UEFA Conference League. The club’s hierarchy is now firmly focused on retaining the Premier League title for a fourth consecutive season.

The Spartans have already made their first move in the January window by signing Colombian striker Damir Ceter, but they remain determined to add further quality, particularly in midfield. Reports emerging from Italy earlier this week have linked the Maltese champions with Perugia midfielder Jeremie Broh.

Ħamrun Spartans will resume their domestic campaign on January 3 when they face Victoria Hotspurs in the FA Trophy, before taking on rivals Floriana in a crucial Malta Premier League clash three days later.