Portuguese coaching influence over the Campeonato Brasileiro remains consistent as leaders Botafogo reached an agreement for Bruno Lage to replace recently-departed boss Luís Castro.

Castro left the Rio de Janeiro club earlier this month to take up a lucrative over from Saudi Arabians Al Nassr, but Botafogo have moved quickly to raid Portugal again for his successor, with Lage issued a contract until December 2023.

An interesting story emerging from England this weekend is Ricardo Carvalho’s role in helping Harry Maguire’s recover his Manchester United career with extra training sessions this summer.

According to renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Maguire has been training three times per day in Portugal, with Seleção legend Carvalho drafted in to conduct 1v1 training sessions with the centre-half.

It is difficult not to become increasingly concerned over the future of João Félix. The Portuguese finds himself seemingly in career limbo and without the sense that an obvious resolution is imminent.

On Thursday, Atletico Madrid announced that Félix’s no.7 shirt would be taken from him and given to French star Antoine Griezmann. The news, while usually of little significance, caused quite the stir on social media as football fans interpreted the decision as further evidence of the faltering state of Félix’s status in the game.

Nuno Espírito Santo will face fierce competition from his countrymen next season as his Al-Ittihad side look to defend their Saudi Arabian Pro League title.

Luís Castro was finally confirmed as new boss of Al Nassr on a two-year contract on Thursday, less than a week after leaving Brazilian league leaders Botafogo. The pair are joined in the battle for the Pro League by Jorge Jesus, who took charge of Al-Hilal for a second time at the start of the month.