Hong Kong club Kitchee sign former La Liga attacker Martin Merquelanz in show of intent
The 30-year-old becomes fifth Spaniard on league leaders’ books as Inigo Calderon seeks to heap more pressure on title rivals
Kitchee have completed the statement capture of former Real Sociedad forward Martin Merquelanz, sending a message of intent to their pursuers at the local league summit.
The 30-year-old Merquelanz, who was most recently with FC Andorra in the Spanish second tier, made the last of his 18 appearances for two-time La Liga champions Sociedad away at Atletico Madrid in May 2021.
His senior debut for the club came as a substitute for now-Kitchee teammate Asier Illarramendi away against SD Eibar in August 2018.
Merquelanz, who also counts Arsenal players Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, ex-Manchester City star David Silva and Alexander Isak, the Liverpool striker, among former Sociedad colleagues, is the fifth Spaniard to join Kitchee since his fellow Basque Inigo Calderon was appointed head coach last summer.
“Joining a team that’s top of the league mid-season, I hope to help Kitchee win the championship and achieve good results in cup competitions,” Merquelanz said.
“I can’t wait to play; I usually play on the wing, but I can also play in the centre if the team needs me.”