26 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Belenenses bring in star duo

Uefa Cup participants contract Brazilian ace and Hugo Leal

Belenenses continue to strengthen their squad for next season in preparation for participation in the Uefa Cup.

The Lisbon club have signed highly rated attacking midfielder Rafael Bastos from Cruzeiro, and the former Portugal U-21 international, Hugo Leal.

Bastos, a 22-year-old Brazilian, has penned a one-year loan deal. He aims to gain experience to broaden his game in Europe as Brazilian giants Cruzeiro say they have big plans for the player.

Also heading to the Restelo is Hugo Leal. The much travelled midfielder will represent Belenenses in the upcoming season although details of the contract have not been disclosed.

The player is delighted to line up with the club from Belem after parting ways with Sporting Braga in January in acrimonious fashion.

Belenenses will be Leal’s seventh club after representing Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Paris St. Germain, FC Porto, Academica and Sporting Braga.


Related: Hugo Leal kicked out of Braga after mystery incident