Struggling Portuguese side Boavista has made a dramatic response to their relegation battle by signing nine players in a single day, following the departure of Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi to Greek giants Olympiacos FC.

Boavista signs nine new players following transfer ban relief

The Porto-based club, currently sitting six points adrift at the bottom of the Primeira Liga with just two wins in 21 games, unveiled their mass recruitment drive on Wednesday after FIFA lifted a transfer ban that had haunted the club for five transfer windows, Footballrover reports.

The unprecedented signing spree comes just weeks after Bruno Onyemaechi, who made 77 appearances and contributed five goals for Boavista, completed a €2.5 million move to 47-time Greek champions Olympiacos FC.

The Nigerian international, who joined Boavista in 2023 after stints at Fereinse and Vila Real, had been a key figure in the club’s defense before his departure.

Bruno Onyemaechi’s impact and departure triggers massive rebuild

Among the new arrivals are several high-profile players, including former Sevilla goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik (35), ex-Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa (32), and former Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel (32).

The club has also secured the services of defenders Osman Kakay, Sidoine Fogning, Vitalii Lystov, and Steven Vitoria, alongside forwards Moussa Kone and Gboly Ariyibi.

The mass recruitment coincides with a change in management, as the club appointed Lito Vidigal following Cristiano Bacci’s dismissal.

The new signings could make their debuts in Friday’s crucial home fixture against Estrela da Amadora, as Boavista desperately seeks to end their three-month victory drought.

Bruno Onyemaechi, meanwhile, has continued his career progression with a four-year deal at Olympiacos.

The Owerri-born defender, who made his Super Eagles debut in the 6-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe in 2023, has accumulated 11 caps for Nigeria and remains an integral part of the national team setup.

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Last Updated on February 13, 2025 10:00 pm by Sir Kris