Metta have brought full-back Rendijs Šibass back to the club ahead of the new Nākotnes līga campaign, according to the Latvian Football Federation transfer page.
Metta, who spent 14 consecutive seasons in the top flight, were relegated after finishing bottom of the Virslīga last season and will play in Latvia’s second tier for the first time since 2011. While there were some rumours of expanding the Latvian top division to 12 teams over the course of the previous year, which would prevent Metta’s relegation, this did not happen.
Šibass, 28, returns after a season at RFS where he made 7 Virslīga appearances but failed to establish himself in the squad. He also featured 15 times for RFS’ reserve team in the Nākotnes līga. The defender previously spent eight seasons with Metta, registering 190 official matches, and has also played for Dalkurd in Sweden and for Auda.
In addition to bringing Šibass back, Metta sent prospective forward Emīls Evelons on loan to Virslīga newcomers Ogre United. Evelons played 36 league matches last season, scoring six times, and added two goals in two Latvian Cup appearances.
From last season’s squad, Metta retain centre-backs Ivo Minkevičs and Kārlis Vilnis, midfielders Daniils Čiņajevs and Kevins Cēsnieks, and striker Sadiks Salē.
Metta will be joined in the 2026 Nākotnes līga by JDFS Alberts, Riga Mariners, Ventspils, Skanstes SK, Leevon PPK, Mārupes SC, Rēzekne, Smiltene and 2022 Virslīga champions Valmiera FC, alongside reserve sides from Riga, RFS, Tukums 2000 and Super Nova.
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Source: https://sportacentrs.com/futbols/1_liga/24022026-metta_briest_kaujam_nakotnes_liga_un_atgr
