The beginning of the 2015-16 Primeira Liga season is just under three weeks away and Portuguese clubs continue to make moves to bolster their line-ups in time for the big kick-off.
Sporting grabbed most of the headlines last week after signing Colombian striker Teo Gutiérrez and Brazilian centre-back Naldo. Gutiérrez signed a three-year contract with the Leões, plus an option for a fourth. The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons with Argentinian giants River Plate.
Naldo spent last season at La Liga club Getafe, on-loan from Udinese. The move should strengthen Sporting's centre-back position which was a major weakness last season.
Salvio could be out longer, Lima moves on
Down the road at the Estádio da Luz, Eduardo Salvio could miss the entire upcoming season, according to reports. The Argentinian winger’s knee injury is not recovering as well as doctors expected. A second surgery on his right knee has been delayed, which will likely mean a longer recovery time.
The club announced late on Friday that they have sold Brazilian striker Lima to Dubai-based club Al Ahli. Although never as clinical as Oscar Cardozo, Lima still managed 70 goals over three seasons with Benfica, winning two league titles. Terms were not disclosed but O Jogo is reporting that the Portuguese club is expected to receive €7million from the sale.
And reports indicate that the club will loan defensive midfielder Pelé to Paços de Ferreira for next season. The 23-year-old signed with Benfica this summer after playing with Belenenses last season, on-loan from AC Milan.
Quaresma re-joins Besiktas, Bernard Mensah moves to La Liga
Ricardo Quaresma’s second spell at the Dragão lasted only 18 months. The Portuguese winger has signed with Turkish club Besiktas where he previously spent two seasons. FC Porto are expected to make €1.2million from the transfer. Quaresma arrived on a free transfer in January 2014.
Elsewhere, Vitória de Guimarães made a pair of moves last week. Bernard Mensah has moved to La Liga club Atlético Madrid. The Ghana midfielder was excellent for the club last season, helping them finish in fifth place. Vitória also signed Brazilian striker Henrique Dourado on-loan for one season from Mirassol.
Spanish club Levante announced on Monday that they have signed Brazilian striker Deyverson from Belenenses, pending a medical. He spent part of last season on-loan with German club FC Köln. And finally, Portuguese defender Henrique Sereno has signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga club Mainz.
By Rui Miguel Martins
For more from Rui (twitter: @futebolfactory) check out Futebolfactory.com.
