Portuguese internationals that are set to be free agents this summer

A handful of Portuguese internationals are free agents after their contracts have come to an end and have failed to be renewed.

Ricardo Quaresma

One of the most high-profile Portuguese players of his generation, famed for being the King of Trivelas, Ricardo Quaresma is available for absolutely no fee at all this summer due to his contract with Kasimpasa coming to an end.

The 36-year old, who played a significant role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, played 27 times in the Turkish Super Lig this season, scoring 4 goals as he captained the side on numerous occasions.

Kasimpasa were in serious relegation trouble just past the half way stage of the season, but an excellent run to end the season saw them secure a very respectable 10th place finish in the league with 43 points from 34 games.

Quaresma, who has played for Portugal 80 times, has previously represented Barcelona, Chelsea and Besiktas, while he has also had two spells at FC Porto.

The creative and tricky winger could still offer a lot to many top sides, and could be a desirable impact sub to add some flair and creativity to a game that is in stalemate.

Vieirinha

Another Euro 2016 champions that has seen his contract expire is PAOK man Vieirinha. The 34-year old, who started his career as a right winger before being transformed into a right back at Wolfsburg, has been utilised in various positions throughout his time at Greek side PAOK, having even been deployed at left back throughout his spell in the country.

Indeed, the 25-time Portugal international, who played all three of Portugal’s group stage games at Euro 2016, was used almost exclusively at left back in the 2018-19 season, where he captained his side to an extraordinary unbeaten league campaign to lift the Greek title ahead of Olympiakos and AEK Athens. 30 wins, 4 draws and 0 losses, as PAOK only conceded 14 goals en route to a tremendous title triumph that Vieirinha played a major role in.

This season, he has reverted back to his original position, having been used extensively on the wings, and he has again been an integral part of the team, having played 17 games for the club despite missing the start of the season through injury. He has 5 goals to his name.

PAOK, understandably, are keen to keep him on their books and have offered a contract extension, but are looking to reduce his wages quite significantly, and it is very much uncertain as to whether they will be able to renew with the former Porto player. Should he decide to leave, he may well be able to embark on one final adventure at a high profile club before retiring.

Manuel Fernandes

Manuel Fernandes joined Krasnodar at the start of the season on a free transfer having departed fellow Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow after his contract came to an end.

However, his stay at Krasnodar only lasted a year, with his contract expiring without renewal.

The former Everton and Valencia midfielder played 19 games for the club across the 2019-20 campaign, scoring 3 goals as he showed in glimpses that he is still a talented central midfielder.

Aged 34, there may be time for one last big move for the 15-time Portugal international before hanging up his boots.

Beto

38-year old Beto may not be getting any younger, but after another excellent season in Turkey, he is still proving to be a top-class ‘keeper - and it explains why he remains a regular within the Portugal squad.

Beto spent three seasons with Turkish club Goztepe, playing a total of 95 games for the Turkish club, 30 of which came in this most recent season.

As captain of the side, Beto displayed that he still has the agility and shot-stopping ability that has made him one of Portugal’s best goalkeepers of his generation, and could still serve as a solid number one, or an excellent backup option, at many reputable sides.

Beto, who has played for Portugal 16 times since making his debut in 2009, has been closely linked with a move to Galatsaray.

Claudio Ramos

Another Portugal international that is a free agent, and another goalkeeper. As the shot-stopper of modest Primeira Liga outfit Tondela, Ramos has been tested in the Portuguese top flight more than most other goalkeepers, and he has played his role in keeping Tondela in the Primeira Liga over the last five years.

He played 29 league games for Tondela in the most recent season as he captained the side, and kept 8 clean sheets in the process.

He has proven to be a highly accomplished shot-stopper, with great reflexes and an ability to stand his ground in one-on-one situations, and it is these qualities that earned him a Portugal cap back in 2018 despite only playing for Tondela.

The 28-year old is now ready to make the step up to a new club though, and is free to talk to any side of his choice. One club that have been heavily linked with signing him is none other than reigning Portuguese champions FC Porto.

Andre Santos

Here’s one for the non-elite sides. Andre Santos, who most recently plied his trade for Belenenses SAD, is another player who can sign for any club for free with his current contract coming to an end.

The two-time Portugal international, 31, would be an excellent signing for any English Championship side in need of a defensive-minded midfielder who is also technically gifted, though you can understand why Belenenses SAD want to keep hold of him.

However, the midfielder, who played 27 league games last season, still hasn’t come to an agreement with Belenenses SAD, and there is a chance that he could walk away for free. Clubs should be paying attention, as he is a talented footballer.