Izmailov to take Sporting chance
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Article summary
FC Lokomotiv Moskva are to loan Marat Izmailov to Sporting Clube de Portugal as the attacking midfielder looks to reignite a career that once promised so much.
Article body
FC Lokomotiv Moskva are to loan Marat Izmailov to Sporting Clube de Portugal, subject to a medical, as the attacking midfielder looks to reignite a career that once promised so much.
Great hope
Izmailov, 24, was touted as one of Russia's great hopes when he joined the Railwaymen from FC Torpedo Moskva as a teenager, but has since seen his progress hampered by a succession of injuries and setbacks. He made just ten starts in 2006 and has featured in four of Lokomotiv's 13 Premier-Liga games this term, with his playing time restricted to 126 minutes. He signed a new four-year deal in Moscow, though, before agreeing his season-long move to Lisbon. "Izmailov has made the right decision," said Lokomotiv coach Anatoli Byshovets. "I will be following his progress closely, and would not rule out us working together again in the future."
Paços land Gomes
Elsewhere in Portugal, UEFA Cup contenders FC Paços de Ferreira have brought in experienced UD Leiria midfielder Paulo Gomes on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old will be joined in the first-team set-up by Jorginho, Leal, Fábio, Silvério and Cristelo after each of those five players penned their first professional contracts with the club. Paços's squad for 2007/08 will be complete with the arrival of another central defender and forward.
Cris delighted
A. Naval 1° Maio have unveiled Hugo Santos, a 24-year-old former Clube Operário Desportivo midfielder, and 23-year-old Boavista FC left-back Igor Rocha on two-year deals. A. Académica de Coimbra have landed CD Feirense midfielder Cris, 23, for an undisclosed fee. "It's a moment of great happiness," he said. "Being able to wear Académica's shirt is fantastic. This is a great step forward in my career and I'm looking forward to exceeding the club's expectations."
Copa América
Boavista announced today that versatile defender Bruno Pinheiro, 19, has signed his first professional terms, while CS Marítimo confirmed the acquisition of 23-year-old Venezuela left-back Edder Alfonso Pérez from Caracas FC. The player is currently on international duty at the Copa América, after which he will move for a season to Marítimo, who have bought 50 per cent of his playing rights. Finally, promoted Vitória SC today unveiled striker Miljan Mrdaković, the 25-year-old Serbian arriving from Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC on a two-year contract with the option of an extra 12 months. "I can't make promises, but I hope to score many goals," he said.
