According to reports from the Scottish media former FC RFS defender Daniels Balodis, who became a free agent at the end of December is set to continue his career in Scotland. He is close to joining St. Johnstone, which is managed by Simo Valakari.
According to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, the 26-year-old center-back is set to join the Scottish Premiership side on a free transfer. The Latvian National team defender has reportedly agreed to terms with St. Johnstone, pending the issuance of a work permit.
Currently, St. Johnstone is facing a challenging part of the season, sitting at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table with a mountain to climb as they are nine points behind 11th-place Hearts. Simo Valakari, who previously managed FK Auda and Riga FC, has been in charge of St. Johnstone since October 1st.
Daniels Balodis who is a product of the Skonto Riga academy, began last season with Valmiera FC before moving to the defending champions FC RFS in the summer. Last season, he made a total of 30 league appearances, scoring two goals. Additionally, he participated in four matches during the UEFA Europa League phase.
If Daniels Balodis joins St. Johnstone, he will be the second Latvian to join the Scottish Premiership team this month, following the Latvian national team captain Kristers Tobers, who moved to Aberdeen F.C.