Portimonense should have a busy two months ahead attempting to strengthen a squad severely depleted by departures and loanees now out of contract.
While fringe players such as Hackman, Poha, Vaz Te and Lee have already left or re-joined their clubs of origin, regulars Maurício, Ewerton and Fabrício have reached the end of their loan arrangements and face an uncertain future. In addition, star striker Beto is still on several clubs’ wish-lists and unlikely to be present by the start of next season.
One reinforcement already in Portimão is experienced midfielder Giannelli Imbula, signed outside the January transfer window last March and, as such, unable to take an active part last season.
The Algarveans are also being strongly linked with 27-year-old Belgian central defender of Angolan descent, Buata, who has been a regular for Sint-Truiden.
Elsewhere, second division Arouca have been promoted to the Liga NOS after comprehensively beating third-from-bottom Rio Ave 5-0 on aggregate in their two play-off matches.
By SKIP BANDELE
