Portuguese Primeira Liga - 26/27 Season Preview
Can Porto hold off traditional rivals Benfica and Sporting to defend their title? Who could be a surprise package? Which players are the next world stars?
The Primeira Liga returns on Friday, and we’re back too! Here to bring you all the latest updates on players to keep an eye on, the GBE Hub has you covered… so, let’s get stuck in!
Title Race
Benfica
Following a bizarre season in which The Eagles went unbeaten domestically but finished third, Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid as head coach. Marco Silva has since taken over as Benfica manager, meaning they are the only club of the big three to head into the new season with a new manager.
Last season it was a case of just too many draws, with leads often squandered to lower level opposition. Silva will need to address that early this year, if Benfica are to mount a challenge for their first title since 22/23. Promising young centre back Antonio Silva (22) has recently left for Bournemouth, whilst fellow defender Nicolas Otamendi (38) has chosen the home pastures of Argentina, transferring to River Plate. It feels as if the defence could be a little light on numbers, with only the loan signing of Clement Lenglet (31, CB) in that department so far. The loans of Enzo Barrenechea (25, CM) and Georgiy Sudakov (23, AM/LW) have been made permanent. The loan signing of Jhon Duran (22, ST) is unlikely to trouble 22-goal Vangelis Pavlidis (27, ST) who knocked in four against St Gallen just last week.
A signing I am excited by is Gabriel Indio (18, DM), who will hopefully receive some exposure in cups or Europe.
Other U23 players to watch:
Franjo Ivanovic (22, ST)
Jose Neto (18, LB/LM)
Porto
This time last year, a large part of my preview for Porto was whether Farioli could deliver, having previously got it so wrong at such a pivotal time at Ajax. One season on, and here we are, with Porto and Farioli now looking to defend their crown after his first season in charge.
Unsurprisingly, The Dragons’ transfer business has been much quieter than other teams, with the core of the title-winning side remaining in Portugal’s second city. It could be argued that no one of major importance has left, with veterans Thiago Silva (41, CB) and Luuk de Jong (35, ST) released, and a few bit part players moving on. Diogo Costa (26, GK) remains at the club, which feels very important.
The incomings are both sensible and exciting. Jakub Kiwior (26, CB) joins permanently, following a very successful partnership last season with Jan Bednarek. In midfield, In-Beom Hwang (29, DM) has been acquired, following some very promising displays at the World Cup. Andre Silva (30, ST) returns to the club where he last played in the 16/17 season.
Other U23 players to watch:
Eirik Granaas (16, AM/ST)
Oskar Pietuszewski (18, ST)
Rodrigo Mora (19, AM)
Martim Fernandes (20, RB/LB)
Sporting
The Lions failed to retain the title last season, having won it the previous two years. Despite ending up only six points adrift of champions Porto, it felt as if it was a weak defence of the title at times. Sporting scored by far the most goals in the league (largely thanks to golden boot winner Luis Suarez (28, ST)) in 25/26, and had a strong defence, but were always partial to a bizarre result, which ultimately cost them.
Overall, it’s been a positive summer window for Sporting. The biggest losses are captain Morten Hjulmand (27, CM) moving to Atletico Madrid, and Trincao (26, LW) departing for Saudi Arabia. Borges has more than covered these losses with the signings made - Sergi Altimira (24, DM) and Issa Doumbia (22, CM) provide different options in midfield, with Altimira offering control on the ball, and Doumbia providing much more of an attacking threat. Ibrahima Ba (21, CB) arrives from Famalicao to strengthen the defence, whilst Rodrigo Zalazar (26, AM/RW) will provide competition for Suarez upfront.
Other U23 players to watch:
Jesse Derry (19, LW/RW)
Salvador Blopa (19, RB/RW)
Silas Andersen (22, DM)
European Challengers
Braga
Braga have begun their season the earliest of the Portuguese clubs (alongside Benfica), with their Conference League qualification already well underway.
This may feel like being a big fish in a small pond, having made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Europa League last campaign. They do however know that a 4th finish this season would put them back into the Europa League - something they are seasoned professionals at achieving.
There has been rather a lot of movement in the squad, with a lot of moves internally in the Primeira Liga in particular. In goal, Lukas Hornicek (24) moved to Newcastle, but Braga have added Bernardo (24, GK) from Tondela (a player we covered as an absolute must buy from a relegated side).
The other big loss is Rodrigo Zalazar (26, AM/RW), as the 16-goal Uruguayan has moved to Sporting. Winger Travassos (22, RW) (who spent last season on loan at Moreirense) has moved the other way, and is joined by fellow domestic transfer Gabriel Silva (24, ST), who moves from Santa Clara. Simple, eh?!
Other U23 players to watch:
Mario Dorgeles (21, CM/RM)
Thiago Helguera (20, DM)
Estoril
I think Estoril will be disappointed with their 10th place finish in 25/26, having been expected to challenge nearer the European places by many.
Their games were certainly entertaining, with 111 goals in their 34 league games. 20 of their 54 scored came from talisman Yanis Begraoui (25, ST) - keeping hold of him is as good as any signing Estoril will make this summer.
Joao Carvalho (29, AM) is also pivotal to the success of this side; he provided 11 assists last year, the joint most in the Primeira Liga. The focus has clearly been on continuity in the squad, with few players coming in, and those that have departed not being of detriment to the squad. The biggest loss is Kevin Boma (23, CB), who has moved to Salzburg for around seven million Euros.
U23 players to watch:
Longin Bimai (20, CB)
Tiago Brito (22, CM/DM)
Famalicao
Famalicao are crying out for European football, and they believe Carlos Carvahal is the man to get them there. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea manager has taken the reins, and will look to at least match last season’s finish of 5th, knowing that would be enough for European football this time around.
Defending was an art Famalicao perfected in 25/26, conceding just 29 times - only the big three teams had better defences. Montenegrin Lazar Carevic (27, GK) played a big part in such an excellent back line, keeping clean sheets in 50% of Famalicao’s league matches. At the other end of the pitch, it was a different story, with a top scorer on just five goals.
‘Fama’ did lose some key assets during the Summer; Gustavo Sa (21, AM) was snapped by Notts Forest, and has since been loaned to Olympiakos, whilst Ibrahima Ba (21, CB) also left for Sporting. Whilst the incomings have been lower profile, they are just as intriguing - Greek forward Georgios Koutsias (22) has signed from Lugano, as well as Finn van Breemen (23, CB) from Basel, with Famalicao dipping into the Swiss market.
Other U23 players to watch:
Tamas Szucs (21, DM)
Mathias De Amorim (21, CM)
Gil Vicente
Gil Vicente were a joy to watch last season, and were the surprise package of the 25/26 calendar. For a long time, they sat in 4th, and despite tailing off towards the end, still managed an excellent 6th place. This achievement was largely down to specific key players, such as Pablo (22, ST) scoring 10 goals before a big money move to West Ham, and goalkeeper Andrew (25), who also departed in January.
In the summer window, Gil have also lost Luis Esteves (28, AM), their maestro in the middle. To combat this, Andreas Lausen (23, CM/AM) has been recruited from Esbjerg, in the Danish second division. Another key signing in the centre of the park could be Diogo Prioste (22, CM), who joins on a season long loan from Benfica.
Other U23 players to watch:
Jose Silva (20, RB/RM)
Mohamed Bamba (20, CM)
Guimaraes
Guimaraes would have been disappointed with finishing 9th in any normal season, but add in a League Cup triumph, and I’m not sure they were too fussed. Things are looking positive for a return to European challenging for this season, as the team haven’t lost in all eight pre-season friendlies they have played.
The issue last season was finding the net; something Guimaraes did just 39 times in the league. Top scorer Samu (30, AM) got seven of those, and remains at the club, looking to better that record in this campaign. Young forward Oumar Camara (19, ST) who can play anywhere across the front line provided five goals, and will hopefully kick on this season.
The addition of Oliwier Zych (22, GK) on loan from Aston Villa is one to keep an eye on - how much game time he’ll get, who knows, but I’m hoping we at least see some cup appearances for the young Polish shot stopper.
Other U23 players to watch:
Goncalo Nogueira (22, DM)
Tony Strata (21, RB)
Moreirense
Moreirense - the epitome of solid. It was 7th spot in 25/26 - a really good performance, with strong foundations to continue to build towards the European spots. Like many other sides, Moreirense lost top scorer Guilherme Schettine (30, ST) to a money move in January, and recovered well to still finish the season in a strong position.
This summer, stalwart Alanzinho (26, CM) has followed the striker out the door, whilst Travassos (22, RW) returned to Sporting after the conclusion of his loan. Other than these outgoings, the squad remains fairly similar to last year, with key players such as attack-minded right wing back Dinis Pinto (25) and no nonsense defensive midfielder Mateja Stjepanovic (22) retained.
One addition I really like is Joao Veloso (21, CM), who has joined on loan from Benfica.
Other U23 players to watch:
Leandro Santos (20, RB/RM)
Jimi Gower (21, DM)
Mid-table Madness
Alverca
It was a successful first season in the top flight for Alverca, finishing 11th, and avoiding any issues with relegation. Overall, it was a fairly unremarkable season, with the side’s form being fairly average throughout the campaign. There was little to get excited about in terms of looking up the table, but Alverca fans will be content with a solid display in 25/26.
Looking ahead to 26/27, I’m sure there will be a desire to trouble those a little higher up the pecking order. Top goalscorer Marezi has returned to Almeria after the conclusion of his loan, but the addition of Vivaldo Semedo (21, ST) on loan from Watford will hopefully replace those lost goals. The focus of the Alverca project is on young talent - Noah Raveyre (21, GK) has joined from Pau FC, who will likely replace the departed Andre Gomes.
Bastien Meupiyou (20, CB) is a physical presence at the back, who is developing very well in a side focused on youth development.
Other U23 players to watch:
Samy Merheg (19, ST)
Davy Gui (20, CM)
Cedric Nuozzi (20, LW/RW)
Toni Tamarit (20, RWB)
Arouca
Arouca finished in a very respectable 8th place last season, matching Guimaraes points tally - not an easy achievement. They did however concede 64 goals; almost two a game, and the second worst record in the league (only bottom club AFS conceded more). If they could have kept the ball out of the net more, maybe they could have bridged the eight point gap to 6th placed Gil Vicente.
To improve the defence, Seabra’s men have made the addition of goalkeeper Martim Duarte (23) who joins from Amarante, and kept hold of right back Diogo Monteiro (21), who showed glimpses in his eight appearances last season.
In attacking areas, Arouca have kept hold of some key players - Ivan Barbero (27, ST) remains up top, whilst wide players Nais Djouahra (26, LW) and Alfonso Trezza (27, RW) will be key if Arouca are to go well again. Fally Mayulu (24, ST) has also joined after a frustrating few years with Bristol City.
Other U23 players to watch:
Romualdas Jansonas (ST, 21)
Casa Pia
The Geese, or ‘Os Gansos’, were very very lucky to survive relegation last season. A second leg 2-0 win over Torreense in the play-off preserved their Primeira Liga status, after a calamitous run of one win in their last 12 games saw them finish 16th. Gaizka Larrazabal (28, RWB) inevitably left, with the wing back making the switch to the EFL, signing for Championship club Bolton.
However, throughout the summer I have seen reasons to be positive on Casa Pia. Jeremy Livolant (28, RW) has stayed put, and having contributed to 11 goals in 25/26 was a key member of the squad last season. Whilst Larrazabal may have departed for England, Alassana Jatta (27, ST) made the move the other way, joining from Notts County. It remains to be seen how 40 goals in 84 League Two appearances will equate to Portugal’s premier division, but it’s an exciting signing nonetheless.
The Geese have also added Andre Gomes (21, GK) from Benfica, who spent last season on loan with Alverca. Whether he takes over as the starting keeper, or Patrick Sequeira continues, will be interesting to see. Overall, Casa Pia in a better spot than they were when the season ended, and I’m backing them to finish in a higher position than last season.
Other U23 players to watch:
Selvi Clua (21, CM)
Rio Ave
The problem with being owned by a group who have multiple teams is, you often lose key players to (you guessed it) the other teams. That’s been the case for Rio Ave in the past few months, as Brazilian top scorer Clayton (27, ST) moved on to Olympiakos, shortly followed by fellow countryman Andre Luiz (24, RW). The club dealt very well with losing these talents in January, mostly due to the inspired signing of Jalen Blesa (25, ST).
My main concerns at the moment would be that the squad looks small. The midfield lacks depth, and if Blesa were to pick up an injury I’m not convinced there’s enough goals in the side to mount another top half challenge. There is some exciting young talent in the ranks, such as left winger Dijar Ferati (17), and Samuel Alves (18, ST). Hopefully both will get some first team game time this season to showcase their ability.
Other U23 players to watch:
Rafael Lobato (20, RW)
Nelson Abbey (22, CB/LB)
Relegation
Academico Viseu
Runners-up in the second division on goal difference last season, Academico Viseu will be playing top flight football this season. It’s a really tough start for the new boys, who travel to Marco Silva’s Benfica to open the season. It feels inevitable that Viseu will be in a relegation battle, and the goal scoring prowess of Andre Clovis (28, ST) will be key in their survival hopes. The Brazilian forward was top scorer in the second division last campaign, netting 23 times.
The signing of Alejandro Mestantza (21, CM) from Atletico Madrid is one to keep an eye on.
U23 players to watch:
Bruno Silva (21, CM)
Lorougnon Gohi (21, ST)
Estrela
A 96th minute penalty away at Braga on the final day of last season saved Estrela from the relegation play-off, with a 2-2 draw enough to keep them above Casa Pia by goal difference. Pepa’s side will be hoping to avoid a repeat of such a dangerous flirt with the drop in 26/27.
However, it’s been a tough summer for Estrela. Otavio (20, CB) departed for Frankfurt (for a healthy fee), and Renan Ribeiro (36, GK) has also left the club, leaving a few gaps to be filled in the defence. Rafa Soares (31, LB) and Lucas Mincarelli (22, LB) have signed, but it feels as if a void left by Otavio is still open.
A really interesting signing is Lovro Zvonarek (21, CM) from Bayern Munich, who will need to provide some much needed drive in the middle of the park if Estrela are to stay up again this season.
Other U23 players to watch:
Beni Souza (22, LW)
Maritimo
Maritimo join Nacional and Santa Clara as the only teams in the Primeira Liga from non-mainland Portugal. Champions of the second division in 25/26, with a name based on the history of sailors playing for the side when the team was first formed, Maritimo will be hoping to stay afloat in 26/27.
The general transfer policy has been a focus on young players. One that has caught the eye in particular is Maurice Boakye, a 21 year old German forward who scored 23 times for Hamburger’s reserve team last season, in just 14 appearances.
The biggest concern is the departure of goalkeeper Samu, who played in all but one league match last season. It appears as if Alfonso Pastor (25, GK) will take up the starting goalkeeper position, but having not played regular football since the 22/23 season, there are concerns about the defence before a ball has been kicked.
U23 players to watch:
Israel Ayuma (20, CM)
Samuel Bomba (22, ST)
Nacional
For Nacional, last season was a respective success - given their size and budget, staying in the top flight is always the aim. Their end of season form was vital in ensuring survival, with three wins from their final five games leaving a four point gap to the relegation play-off place.
Aside from losing goalkeeper Kaique Pereira to Palmeiras, and combative midfielder Paulinho Boia to Poland, Nacional have kept hold of most of their key players. Brazilian centre back Ze Vitor (25) remains, a leader who can also pop up with a goal or two. Most importantly, 18-goal Jesus Ramirez Diaz (28, ST) is still at the club, and having accounted for 50% of Nacional’s goals last season, the Venezuelan will need his shooting boots on again in 26/27.
The incomings are also promising, with young keeper Renato Marin (20) joining on loan from PSG, who it is assumed will take up the number one position. Markus Jensen (21, ST) has also joined permanently from Odense.
Other U23 players to watch:
Chico Goncalves (22, CB)
Deivison (20, CM/RB)
Santa Clara
Our final island club, Santa Clara, stayed up by six points last season, which was more comfortable than it appeared it would be at some points. Goals were the issue for the side from the Azores last campaign, with only the bottom three clubs finding the net less frequently. Joint top scorer (albeit, with only six goals) Gabriel Silva has departed for Braga, leaving Vinicius Lopes (27, ST) as the man to lead the line.
The biggest loss for Santa is Gabriel Batista, as the 28 year old goalkeeper returns home to Brazil, signing for Botafogo. The shot stopper was a key part of the seventh best defence in the Primeira Liga last season - one of the key reasons the team are still in the top flight.
The addition of Vasconcelos (21, AM) from Braga comes with promise - let’s hope he can provide a spark in a Santa Clara team in great need of one.
Other U23 players to watch:
Henrique Silva (20, CB)
Vital Maia (19, ST)
1-18
League Prediction:
1 - Porto
2 - Sporting
3 - Benfica
4 - Braga
5 - Famalicao
6 - Guimaraes
7 - Estoril
8 - Moreirense
9 - Gil Vicente
10 - Arouca
11 - Rio Ave
12 - Alverca
13 - Casa Pia
14 - Santa Clara
15 - Maritimo
16 - Nacional
17 - Estrela
18 - Acamedico Viseu
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