Transfer window latest

Porto recall Barbosa

FC Porto have made a modest move in this winter’s transfer market as the club has recalled midfielder Helder Barbosa. The Portuguese U21 forward had been farmed out on loan to Academica for two years, and now returns to the Estadio do Dragao.

“The possibility of me returning to FC Porto is huge,” stated Barbosa, although the player refused to agree with the idea that he was being brought back as the long-term replacement for Ricardo Quaresma who is likely to be sold at the end of the season.

Barbosa will also help fill the gap left by Tarik Sektioui. The Moroccan forward is enjoying a fine season with the Dragons thus far, but is involved in the African Cup of Nations this month

Guimaraes close in on French defender

Vitoria Guimaraes are on the verge of signing French left-back Fethi Harek from SC Bastia. The 25-year-old is locked in intense negotiations with the Portuguese side and is expected to sign within days.

Harek joined the French Ligue 2 side only this past summer and has made 19 appearances for the club, scoring one goal. Guimaraes are anxious to have the player put pen to paper as he is highly regarded by the club’s coaching staff.

In other team news, Guimaraes look set to lose out on 18-year-old Rabiola. The player is on loan from FC Porto and was due to remain with Guimaraes until the end of the season, but the Dragons are not happy with the lack of playing time that their protégé has received and will look to loan him out to another Portuguese club.

Rabiola has only made 4 appearances for Vitoria, scoring once. Porto have offered to loan out want-away striker Bruno Moraes as compensation.

Maritimo snap up Brazilian striker

Maritimo are preparing to unveil their third capture in this winter’s transfer period. The club are close to signing striker Diego Silva. The 22-year-old arrives from Cruzeiro on a free transfer.

Maritimo’s president Carlos Pereira admitted that the player was already in Madeira and that the two parties were wrapping up some final details of the contract. “His representative arrived in Madeira today and he has already completed his medical exams.”

Diego follows on from central defender Joao Guilherme and goalkeeper Bruno Grassi as the club’s new January recruits. Pereira also added that the club might not be done yet in their transfer window dealings.

Aguiar to Academica

After losing Helder Barbosa to FC Porto and gaining Edgar from the same club, Academica have gone to bed again with the league leaders as the Students look set to receive Luis Aguiar on loan until the end of the season.

The Uruguayan joined Porto during in the summer but was immediately shipped out to Estrela da Amadora on loan. The player made seven appearances for Estrela, but will now repack his bags and head north to Coimbra.