We were among three English clubs who had scouts at a Portuguese league game between Moreirense and Rio Ave at the weekend, according to A Bola.
The Portuguese newspaper reports that Southampton, Reading and 11 other teams from around Europe had representatives watching the match on Sunday, which saw Moreirense come out 2-1 winners.
Rio Ave are currently fifth in the Primeira Liga table despite the defeat, and they do have a number of promising young players in their ranks. Sport Witness report that left-back Yuri Ribeiro, on loan from Benfica and a current Portuguese Under 21 international, could have been watched, or someone like their playmaker Chico Geraldes, who has ten assists this season.
For Moreirense, the player who would have impressed scouts most with his performance would have been Ronaldo Pena, who scored the winning goal. The Venezuelan Under 20 international hasn’t really impressed since joining on loan from Caracas FC though with just three goals this campaign.
Whoever we were scouting, it’s doubtful any final decisions have been made on transfers until it is known what league we will be playing in next season. Still, scouts are always on the lookout for new signings, and the club’s presence in Portugal is nonetheless interesting.
