New Livingston recruit Luiyi de Lucas is eager to make the most of his second chance in Scottish football following his transfer from Finnish top tier outfit, FC Haka.
The 28-year-old centre-back impressed on trial with the Lions last season, but boss David Martindale opted not to offer a contract at that time.
However, following a second stint during the World Cup break during which the defender featured in three bounce games, the club made their move.
De Lucas said: “When my agent said I had the chance to come here again, I said ‘you are crazy’. I was really surprised. I didn’t expect that.”
Having spent most of his career in the Spanish lower leagues, de Lucas racked up over 50 appearances for FC Haka during his two-year spell and picked up the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.
He believes his style will be suited to the Scottish game.
He said: “I am so happy to be here. It is a dream.
“I love the passion they have here for football. I expect it will be really hard, really physical, and I am going to learn a lot.
“It is good for me because I am a physical player and can play too. I want everyone to see me on the pitch.”
David Martindale is pleased to finally welcome the Dominican Republic international after monitoring his progress over the past 12 months.
He said: “I’m delighted to bring Luiyi into the building.
“Luiyi was in training with me last season and done okay but I felt he needed more competitive football at a good level. He went out and got that with FC Haka in Finland.
“He came back in on trial in November after a successful season and I could already see the improvement in his game so I’m really happy to get him over the line.
“It’s no secret that we’re probably going to lose at least one central defender at the club in the summer so I felt it was important to get one in which allows the player time to adapt to the league and the club.”
De Lucas is available for selection and could be included in Martindale’s squad to face Dundee United in Wednesday evening’s Premiership clash.
