Shorts: Braga, Naval & Academica start preparations for next season

Braga tie down Eduardo on three-year deal

Sporting Braga continue to be active in re-building for next season. The club have renewed the contract of goalkeeper Eduardo. The net minder who has been on loan with Vitoria Setubal this past season, and Beira-Mar before that, is happy to have prolonged his association with the club for an additional three years and cannot wait to start the new season with the Arsenalistas.

“I think I had a very good year. I’m happy and honoured with my renewal and I cannot wait to return, stronger than ever, and fight for our big objectives.”

The 25-year-old goalkeeper did not make the cut for the Portugal squad that will be going to Euro 2008 next month, but instead he will be making the trip to Sweden with the U21s as a permitted senior player.

“I was disappointed not having made the team, but one day I will have my opportunity. As for the U21s, it’s not a consolation, it’s an honour. My inclusion to be part of the Sweden International Tournament with the U21 team is something that moves me also as I will be wearing the shirt that all Portuguese professional players aspire to wear.”

Delfim ponders new Naval deal

Naval who will be in the Portuguese top flight for a fifth consecutive season, are looking to continue that run by extending the contract of midfielder Delfim. The former Sporting player is flattered that the club would like to keep his services for an extra two years, but Delfim does not know if it will materialise.

“I was invited to participate in the Naval project by representing the club for the following two years. I will ponder the offer, but nothing is decided as I have my family to think about.”

There have also been rumblings that Naval are looking to acquire Uniao de Leiria defender Laranjeiro. The Leiriense are headed for the Liga Vitalis next year as they finished rock bottom in the Bwin Liga and will be looking to offload their better paid players in order to cut their wage bill and not drag a financial burden along with them into the lower division.

Cleber delighted to remain in Portugal

Academica have renewed the contract of left-back Cleber. The player will remain with the club until 2010. The defender, who arrived in the January winter transfer window from Brazilian club Marilla, had only signed a contract until the end of the season, but the Academica brass were impressed with the player’s abilities and decided to make his deal permanent.

Although the contract was established and signed two months ago, only now has Cleber decided to reveal the news. The player is thrilled with the contract extension and would like to repay the club’s faith in him on the pitch. “My future is with Academica as I have a new contract for another two seasons, which finishes at the end of February, the beginning of March,” he said.

“I would like to play more, but that will depend on what the coach wants, but if I have to be loaned out, I would prefer it to be a club at the same level as Academica. I do not want to go down to the second division. I believe I can show what I can do here.”