Portuguese Football in English
Portuguese international Bernardo Silva admits his time at Manchester City so far could not have been much more successful, after committing his future to the club by signing a new deal.
Bernardo has spent six years at City since joining from Monaco, during which he has won five Premier League titles, as well as multiple cups including the Champions League. With speculation over his future this summer, the former Benfica man has penned a one-year extension, tying himself to City until 2026.
With all the major leagues in Europe now up and running, Portugal’s foreign-based contingent are inevitably beginning to make their mark across the continent. One of the more pleasing stories comes from France, as former Braga striker Vitinha made it two goals in two Ligue 1 matches at Marseille.
Portuguese goalscorers continue to make their mark in English football, led by Diogo Jota helping Liverpool beat Bournemouth at Anfield. In the Championship, André Vidigal is enjoying a bright start with Stoke after scoring a winner against Watford, while there was a first-ever professional goal for Portugal under-20 international Wanya Marçal-Madivadua with Leicester City.
Portuguese international Renato Sanches has finalised his move from Paris Saint-Germain to AS Roma, signing a season-long loan deal in Italy with a view to a permanent switch.
Sanches struggled to make an impression at PSG last season as injuries often disrupted his momentum. The former Benfica man was made available by new boss Luis Enrique, and the Giallorossi quickly made Sanches a prime target to boost José Mourinho’s squad.
Against most expectations, João Félix has started the 2023-24 season with Atletico Madrid. However, it was night to forget for the Portugal international, who failed to get off the bench and was whistled by his own supporters as Atletico overcame Granada at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Félix had been widely expected to leave the Spanish capital well ahead of the new campaign, having spent the second half of last season on-loan at Chelsea following a fallout with Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Speaking after the 3-1 win against Granada, Simeone challenged Félix to earn his place in the team.
Gonçalo Ramos has completed his move from Benfica to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, signing a loan deal which will be made permanent at the end of the season.
Ramos arrives at the Parc des Princes just five days before the start of the new Ligue 1 campaign, which begins with PSG hosting Lorient on Saturday evening. The 22-year-old becomes the fifth Portuguese player in the club’s ranks and is part of a new-look frontline following the departure of Lionel Messi.
