Porto swoop for Bosingwa
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Article summary
FC Porto have crossed the city to sign Portuguese Under-21 international José Bosingwa from Boavista FC.
Article body
Trading places
In a surprise move, the Portuguese champions, cup holders and UEFA Cup winners have agreed a part-exchange deal for Bosingwa, who joins Porto with defender Ricardo Silva travelling in the opposite direction.
Financial package
In all, Porto will pay Boavista an estimated €1m, taking into account the value of the two players. As part of the package, they will forfeit the €250,000 they were owed for the transfer of Ricardo Sousa to Boavista, and will also play a friendly game at Boavista's Bessa stadium.
'Title chance'
Bosingwa has signed a four-year contract with the option of another two seasons at the Das Antas club, who will play in the UEFA Champions League next season. "Porto players get the chance to win titles and I admire them for the fantastic season they have had," he said.
Mr Versatile
"With a lot of hard work, I believe I can earn a place in the team," he added. A product of Boavista's youth system, the 20-year-old can operate as a right-winger, midfield player or even forward. Meanwhile, centre-back Ricardo Silva returns to his first club, Boavista, on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old spent the 2002/03 campaign on loan at Vitória Guimarães.
