Portimonense started pre-season training at their ‘Dois Irmãos’ ground on Monday while the refurbishment of the municipal stadium, expected to be concluded by the end of this month, continues.
At the official presentation of the 2017/18 squad last week, new signing Rui Costa took centre stage. The ex-Varzim striker was joined by previously contracted fellow recent arrivals Hackman (Aves) and Wellington (Penafiel) as well as left back Inácio, on loan from Porto.
Meanwhile, manager Vítor Oliveira has made progress in his search for more cover in central defence where Jadson and Lucas were the only incumbents after the departure of Ivo Nicolau to Olhanense.
After preferred options Nuno Coelho (Arouca) and Rui Correia (Nacional) were likely to be priced out of any move south, Brazilian Felipe Macedo has become the latest player to join Portimonense. The 23-year-old looked to have a promising future when recruited by Monaco in 2015, but a persistent foot injury subsequently kept him sidelined there and, upon his return, at Atlético Mineiro. Since then he has regained fitness with home club Goiás and is viewed as a valuable addition to the team.
Uncertainty still surrounds the future of Lumor. The 20-year-old left back has returned from his loan spell with 1860 Munich and has been named in the squad for next season, but is currently on international duty with Ghana in the United States. Unfortunately good performances in his national colours may heighten already existing interest in his services from other clubs pre-empting a start with the Algarveans come August, a situation similar to that of fellow returnee Amilton. Another ‘old boy’ and former crowd favourite, Zambujo, has signed for Farense.
Watch this space next week for further developments and a look at the highlights of next season’s fixture list due to be released this Friday.
By SKIP BANDELE
Photo: Coach Vítor Oliveira has made progress in his search for more cover in central defence
