The end to the international transfer window in Portugal last week caused a degree of consternation in Portimão as a number of anticipated arrivals and departures failed to materialise.
It was expected that former captain Jadson would be on his way to Turkey, with fellow central defender Lucas Possignolo heading to France – both moves fell through, however, resulting in a last-minute squad registration for the former while the latter is still awaiting an offer from the Middle East, which remains open to signing players from Europe.
An agreement was also in place with Brazilian parent club São Paulo to retain the services of Junior Tavares, but a missing Covid-19 test prevented that deal, as well as the immediate acquisition of Luan from the same source, both players now expected in January. A similar fate befell Jafar Salmani, who will stay in Iran until the New Year due to bureaucratic difficulties.
More positive news concerns Malayan U-23 international Safawi Rasid, who finally arrived in the Algarve, as did 24-year-old Cameroon international Anatole Abang. The last named striker has enjoyed a ‘colourful’ career to date, starting with MLS side New York Red Bulls before representing Hobro (Denmark), SJK (Finland), Astra (Romania), Nantong Zhiyun (China) and most recently Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldavia, and will now join Portimonense’s forward line-up already featuring Fabrício, Beto and Ricardo Vaz Tê.
There has been some retrospective confusion concerning the earlier sale of Bruno Tabata, who had a €40 million release clause, to Sporting Lisbon. It has emerged that only €500,000 of the agreed €5 million fee was actually paid, with the Algarvians apparently retaining the right to 90% of any future transfer.
Finally, keeper Gonda and defender Anzai should return from international duty with Japan – both featured in friendly matches against Cameroon and the Ivory Coast – by the weekend when Portimonense travel to Madeira to resume league action against Marítimo on Saturday afternoon.
By SKIP BANDELE
