Football Season Guide

Boavista FC

In


Leo Jardim (gk) Lille, FRA - on loan; Nathan Santos (def) Vasco, BRA - on loan; Jackson Porozo (def) Santos, BRA; Reggie Cannon (def) Dallas FC, USA; Jesus Gomez (ded) Atlas, MEX - on loan; Yanis Hamache (def) Nice, FRA; Adil Rami (def) FK Sochi, RUS; Chidozie (def) FC Porto; Ricardo Mangas (def) Aves; Sebastien Perez (mid) Boca Juniors, ARG - on loan; Nuno Santos (mid) Moreirense (on loan from Benfica); Javi Garcia (mid) Betis, SPA; Angel Gomes (mid) Lille, FRA - on loan; Show (mid) Belenenses; Jorge Benguche (att)CD Olimpia, HON - on loan;

Out


Helton Leite (k)(gk) Benfica; Ricardo Costa (r)(def) retired; Carraça (r)(def) FC Porto; Lucas Tagliapietra (sp)(def) Portimonense; Marlon (r)(def) Fluminense, BRA - return from loan; Fabiano (r)(def) Palmeiras, BRA - return from loan; Neris (r)(def) Al Wasl, UAE; Idris (sp)(mid) end of contract; Yaw Ackah (r)(mid) Kayzerispor, TUR; Mateus (sp)(att) Penafiel; Fernando Cardozo (sp)(att) Vizela (on loan from Olimpia, PAR); Heriberto (r)(att) Brest, FRA; Nikola Stojilkovic (sp)(att) Farense; Cassiano (r)(att) Vizela

Boavista had another just average season, last year. Became safe relatively early, but was unable to punch their way into higher places on the table. Axadrezados wish to get back at European competitions doesn't seem easy to achieve. The young and promising gaffer Vasco Seabra was brought on board, and that alone may be a sign of change at Bessa. Usually a combative team, this season may see a more technical oriented Pantera, something that former coach Daniel Ramos was slowly starting to do, last season. Panteras went through a big regeneration of the squad, bringing some unusual new signings, like the well known Adil Rami for defence and former Benfica and Manchester City pendulum Javi Garcia. The two are expected to be the reference for Seabra to build the team around, but are they fit and motivated enough for the challenge? Leo Jardim is the perfect replacement for the departing Hélton Leite in goal. Mangas and Show came from very good seasons, and are good replacements for Marlon and Ackah, respectively. Chidozie finally found a side at Portuguese top flight where he can prove his potential. Perez, Gomes and Benguche raised the curiosity of the fans, already. But Gustavo Sauer, Paulinho and Njie are still the favourites among the supporters to bring magic up front. Squad seems very short at the moment, and there's the fear for the team to take a while to create an identity between a very young and disparate group of new players.

Target


Despite some quality on the squad, Panteras aren't yet expected to fight for European places. More likely siting in a mid-table position in the end.