Following the unrelated news that Portimonense are in advanced €80 million takeover negotiations with ex-Inter Milan owner Chinese billionaire Zhang Jindong, manager Sérgio Vieira has unveiled a raft of new signings which could hint at yet more imminent departures – the club has pulled in €5.5 million so far this summer – by the time the transfer window closes at the end of August.
A total of eight arrivals were confirmed last week featuring 25-year-old Swedish goalkeeper Philip Tear, a Brazilian contingent consisting of another keeper, 20-year-old Pedro Bez, 25-year-old midfielder Geovane as well as 19 and 25-year-old wingers Ruan and Paulo Vitor, two Nigerians in the shape of 22-year-old forward Elijah Benedict and 25-year-old central defender Kelechi and, lastly, 23-year-old midfielder Francisco Varela who will be hoping to play alongside his brother Hélio unless interest amongst several Belgian clubs firms up.
Portimonense more than held their own against Farense during their goalless dress rehearsal last Friday and will kick off the new season in Felgueiras on Monday. Their top division neighbours from the Algarve’s capital enter the fray one day earlier on Sunday evening at home against Moreirense.
By SKIP BANDELE
