Former Spain Under-21 Midfielder Camarasa Signs with Kitchee
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Kitchee Club have secured the signing of Victor Camarasa, a former Spain under-21 international, as the Hong Kong Premier League attracts increasing international attention. The experienced midfielder, 32, arrives on a free transfer after his contract with Hungarian club Debrecen expired, bringing with him a wealth of top-flight European experience. Camarasa joins an already star-studded Kitchee squad that includes another Spanish marquee signing in former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi. The move underscores Hong Kong football's growing ambition to compete at the continental level, with Kitchee set to return to the AFC Champions League Two after a two-year absence. Attendance figures for the new season have been encouraging, with opening-match crowds reaching their highest levels since 2023.
Key Points
- Victor Camarasa, 32, joins Kitchee as a free agent after playing just seven matches for Hungarian side Debrecen last season
- The former Spain under-21 international made 31 English Premier League appearances during a loan spell with Cardiff City in 2018-19
- He has accumulated 140 La Liga appearances across spells with Levante, Alaves and Real Betis, plus a short stint with Crystal Palace
- Kitchee began their title defence with a 3-2 victory away to BC Rangers on Saturday, and face North District on Saturday
- The club has been drawn in AFC Champions League Two group stage alongside Gangwon FC, Kuching City and Phnom Penh Crown
Why It Matters
The signing of Camarasa represents a significant statement of intent from Kitchee as they aim to compete effectively in continental competition. With opening-match attendance reaching 3,329—markedly higher than recent seasons—the influx of marquee international players could signal a turning point for Hong Kong football's commercial viability and fan engagement . As Kitchee balance domestic dominance with continental ambitions, the performance of their Spanish imports will be closely watched across Asia.
The signing of Camarasa represents a significant statement of intent from Kitchee as they aim to compete effectively in continental competition. With opening-match attendance reaching 3,329—markedly higher than recent seasons—the influx of marquee international players could signal a turning point for Hong Kong football's commercial viability and fan engagement . As Kitchee balance domestic dominance with continental ambitions, the performance of their Spanish imports will be closely watched across Asia.