AFC Cup: Global XI acquires Hartmann

MANILA, Philippines—Reigning United Football League champion Global bolstered its lineup for the AFC Cup by acquiring former Under-23 skipper Matthew Hartmann from the Loyola Meralco Sparks.

Hartmann, who was named MVP of the Smart Club Championship while leading the Sparks to the crown last month, will make his Global debut on Wednesday when the UFL side starts its AFC Cup campaign against South China of Hong Kong.

A left winger whose vision and passing has provided the Sparks plenty of goals, Hartmann will end his four-year stint with Loyola. But his involvement with Global will only be limited with the AFC Cup for the meantime as the UFL transfer window will only reopen in April.

No official announcement has been made by the clubs involved but sources said the move was finalized last weekend.

The deal will also see young midfielder Curt Dizon moving from Global to Loyola.

Hartmann could fill a huge void at midfield for Global whose depth in the position has become a concern following the departure of Jason de Jong.