First Team
SAINTS SIGN STRIKER GUY MELAMED FROM MACCABI NETANYA
5th October 2020
Monday 5th October 2020
St. Johnstone Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Guy Melamed from Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Netanya on a free transfer, subject to international clearance.
The striker joins Saints on a one-year-deal and will bolster Callum Davidson's attacking options in the remainder of the campaign.
Melamed, who will wear the number 17 shirt, has arrived in Scotland and will be available for selection once he has completed 14-days of isolation.
The 27-year-old has had an impressive career in the Israeli top flight, winning the league title in season 2017/18 and, according to the TransferMarkt statistics website, has scored 42 goals in 162 Ligat ha'Al matches.
A thrilled St. Johnstone boss, Callum Davidson, said:
"I'm delighted to get him on board. As soon as I spoke to him he came across as very enthusiastic and passionate - qualities I look for in a player.
"He's very excited and looking forward to the challenge. His enthusiasm as a person made me make the decision to try and get him.
"Guy's a little bit unknown over here and has something to prove. From watching videos of him play, I thought his movement in the box was very good. We had been looking to either go for a target man or someone to score goals, and I believe we have gone for the latter option.
"It's difficult with the current situation but he will be in quarantine due to the rules. But once we have him in we will get him up to speed in training and we will get him involved with the boys. He's lively and I hope he settles in well."
Speaking upon his arrival in the country, Guy Melamed said:
"Yes I am very excited. When I heard there was an offer from Scotland I totally wanted it and I'm excited for this.
"I hope that I help the team score goals and help us move up the table. I think it is a very good league. I have a good friend that play in Celtic, [Hatem Abd] Elhamed.
"I had one year left with my team, Maccabi Netanya, and we decided both sides to finish it. I looked for something else in Europe and I talk with my agent and he told me he would check some options and he found St. Johnstone and when I heard about this I was very happy.
"[Callum Davidson] talked to me on FaceTime before I came here. I read about him on the internet and he had a very impressive career and he knows football very well. I think he is the right person to coach me.
"He thinks the team is very good and another striker is what he needs and I'm happy he chose me.
"I can move the ball very good, I will bring quality, I score goals. I can play the classic 'number 9' position. I think I bring some technique and movement. I hope I will bring goals - that is the most important thing.
"I have heard about Scottish fans and especially St. Johnstone who are very committed and very supportive. I hope that I can see them soon."