24 August 2005

Valencia swoop for Portuguese duo

Miguel and Viana join Spanish outfit

Valencia have increased their Portuguese contingent to three as Benfica right-back Miguel (pictured) and Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana moved to the club where compatriot Marco Caneira is an established team member.

Miguel’s move ends a messy conflict between the player and Benfica, with the player’s representatives and Benfica’s board exchanging insults and threats of legal action after a contract dispute.

The 25-year-old Portugal international signed a five-year deal for a reported 8 million euros.

“I am looking forward to succeeding at Valencia, which is a club everyone has spoken highly of,” said Miguel, who made a name for himself primarily due to his exciting attacking bursts down the right flank.

“The club made a great effort to sign me and I hope to return that effort playing for the club.”

Viana's loan deal

Meanwhile Hugo Viana has agreed a season-long loan switch to the Spanish side. The 22-year-old moves to the Mestalla with a view to a permanent deal if he impresses.

The midfielder enjoyed a relatively successful season on loan at his former club Sporting last year, but the Lisbon club were not prepared to meet Newcastle’s asking price to make the deal permanent.

Included in the package taking him to the Mestalla is an option for Valencia to make the transfer permanent after the loan, and an undisclosed loan fee.

Caneira, Miguel and Viana will be keen to gel quickly and help Valencia improve on last season’s disappointment of finishing seventh in La Liga, especially in World Cup year.

All three players are regularly selected by Luiz Scolari for Portugal’s senior squad.