Braga continue spending spree

Luis Aguiar and Paulo Cesar snapped up by Arsenalistas

Sporting Braga show no signs of letting up in the transfer market as the club signed forwards Luis Aguiar and Paulo Cesar from Liverpool de Montevideo and Uniao de Leiria, respectively.

The signing of Aguiar comes as a surprise as FC Porto were expected to make a permanent deal with the Uruguayan after impressive performances while on loan with Academica last season. Porto president Pinto da Costa had admitted that Aguiar was a player that interested the club, but it was Braga who pounced after Porto decided not to make a move.

The player has signed a four-year deal with the Arsenalistas and is delighted at having made the move as he relished his first year in Portugal. “It’s with enormous happiness that I have come to Braga. It is a very good project for me and all my family.

“I have adapted to Portuguese football and I will do everything to help those who have put their belief in my qualities,” said a radiant Aguiar.

Braga were not done there as the club have also taken on striker Paulo Cesar after having spent the last three seasons with relegation-bound Leiria.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has signed on for two years and is equally delighted at making he move and linking up with new coach Jorge Jesus. “He is a coach of great quality and who knows how to get the most out of his players and the group as a whole,” said Cesar.

In other club news, Braga have rescinded the contract of midfielder Roberto Brum. The 30-year-old does not fit into Jorge Jesus’ plans for next season. Brum leaves Braga after one season, having made 26 appearances.