Three pillars of Portimonense’s usual starting eleven, Fabrício, Maurício and Ewerton, now look likely to stay in the Algarve following successful negotiations with their respective current parent clubs.
The same cannot be said for last season’s forward line-up, with Bruno Moreira returning north by mutual agreement and Vaz Té not renewing his contract.
The pair could be followed out by top marksman Beto should principal suitors Lille or Napoli make a concrete offer, prompting Portimonense to start looking for at least one proven goal scorer as a replacement
One transfer already concluded is that of 26-year-old 6’5” (1m94cm) Iranian national team goalkeeper Payam Niazmand, who remained unbeaten during 945 minutes – over 10 matches – for champions Sepahan most recently, casting doubt on the future of current number one Samuel Portugal.
The 2021/22 season will get under way on July 25 with the first round of the Allianz League Cup while Liga Bwin (new sponsors) matches start on August 8.
By SKIP BANDELE
