3 August 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Braga snap up Joao Pereira and Jailson

Arsenalistas boost squad with two proven performers

Sporting Braga wasted little time in arranging a replacement for departing right-back Luis Filipe as the club have taken on former Benfica player, Joao Pereira (pictured). The Portugal U-21 defender moves from Liga da Honra side Gil Vicente on a four-year contract.

“I’m delighted to come to Braga,” said 23-year-old Pereira. “They are a club with a lot of ambition, just as I am. I want to help transform Braga into an even bigger club.”

“Braga always fight for the highest spots and I will get the chance to play again at the highest level. This transfer caught me by surprise. It came at a point when I thought I would stay at Gil Vicente for one more year. I wanted to leave, but it wasn’t easy. Luckily it happened.”

The club also introduced new striker, Jailson, acquired form Russian club, Rubin Kazan. The player’s contract belongs to Benfica, but he has been loaned to the Portuguese side as part of the deal that saw Luis Filipe go the other way.

The player has a contract with the Eagles for the following four years, but is happy that he will be plying his trade with Sporting Braga during the upcoming season.

“It is with great honour that I will represent Sporting Braga. I hope to live up to the expectations of the club. I am happy to belong to Benfica, but at the same time proud to play for Braga, where I would like to make history. I want to win titles!”

The former Corinthians star is looking to light up the Bwin Liga after notching 20 goals last season with Rubin Kazan.