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Goalkeeper Gabriel Batista has become a new reinforcement for the Brazilian club Botafogo. He is moving to the team coached by Portuguese Franklim Carvalho after four seasons spent at Santa Clara, which belongs to the Portuguese I League of football.

Memories of Santa Clara

In his statement, the club from the Azores highlighted Gabriel Batista's significance in the team's historical journey, which concluded with the II League championship title in the 2023/24 season, as well as the club's best league classification (fifth place) in the following season.

The athlete himself emphasized that although he is leaving the club, he will forever remain a supporter of Santa Clara, promising to always support and rejoice in every victory and achievement of the club. Batista played 138 matches for the Azorean club.

Transfer Details and Squad

Botafogo also announced the contract signing on social media, specifying that the goalkeeper signed an agreement valid until the end of 2029. Gabriel Batista joined Santa Clara in the 2022/23 season, coming from Flamengo.

Batista is among the group of players who have left the club, including Gabriel Silva (Sporting Braga), Clisman (Neftichi), João Afonso (FC Porto), Sérgio (Levski Sofia), Venansiu (at the end of his contract), and Carter (Viseu).

Santa Clara's Prospects

Santa Clara, which finished 13th in the I League in the 2025/26 season, will start the new championship by hosting Nacional in the first round, which will take place on August 10.

Desportivo de Chaves confirmed the signing of player Léo Alaba, who will join the club's squad for the 2026/27 season. The announcement was made today by the emblem of the Portuguese Second League.

Player History

Léo Alaba, who is from Valença, in the Bay state, recently played for the Brazilian clubs Criciúma and América Mineiro. These appearances occurred through a loan from AVS, which was recently relegated to the second division of Portuguese football.

Experience in Portugal

In addition to the team from Vila das Aves, the defender also played for Vilafranquense, a club where he made his debut in Portuguese football during the 2022/23 season.

Other Reinforcements for Desportivo de Chaves

For next season, Desportivo de Chaves had already secured other important players. Among them are goalkeeper João Valido (who came from Arouca), midfielder Dru Yearwood (with experience at Rotherham, England), and forwards André Rodrigues (ex-Marítimo), Wilson Tavares (ex-Atlético da Malveira), and Costinha (coming from Petro de Luanda, Angola).

The Brazilian midfielder Ângelo Neto, 34 years old, was announced today as the third reinforcement for Vizela for the 2026/27 season, according to the Minho club competing in the Second League.

Player's Experience

Throughout his professional career in Portugal, Ângelo Neto has accumulated over 200 matches, 163 of which were played in the First League. He has previously played for clubs such as Moreirense, Casa Pia, and Farense, and won the League Cup with Moreirense during the 2016/17 season.

Statements about Vizela

The athlete expressed satisfaction with the signing, stating that Vizela is a club with history, which he had known on several occasions. According to him, when the opportunity arose, the decision was simple because he considers the club an ambitious project that he is very happy to join.

Commitment on the Field

The Brazilian player assured that he will use his experience to benefit the team, but stressed the need for continuous effort, declaring that it will be necessary to 'work, run, fight, and give life on the field.' He added that fans can expect commitment, grit, and professionalism from him, emphasizing that he never gives up and that such values are non-negotiable for him.