Surprise swap between rivals

Ricardo Fernandes has joined FC Porto from Sporting Clube de Portugal, while Clayton has moved in the opposite direction. The surprise deal, a straight swap with no money involved, was announced today.

Four-year deal
The 25-year-old Ricardo Fernandes has signed a four-year contract with the UEFA Cup holders. After loan spells at CD Santa Clara and Gil Vicente FC, Ricardo Fernandes returned to Sporting last season but the playmaker found his path to the first team blocked by João Pinto, Pedro Barbosa and Tonito.

'Source of pride'
Now he is hoping to revitalise his career with champions Porto, who will begin their 2003/04 UEFA Champions League in the group stage. "I want to play, and I will fight for a place in the first team," he said. "It's a source of pride for me try to help them defend the [league] title."

New challenge
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Brazilian Clayton is relishing linking up again with Sporting's former Porto coach Fernando Santos. "I was very happy at Porto, but now I have a new challenge, and I want to have success," he said.

Sérginho signing
Porto have also signed the out-of-contract Brazilian winger Sérginho. The 25-year-old was unveiled today after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. Sérginho was a free agent after his contract with Boavista FC expired last month. For the past six months he has been on loan at FC Paços de Ferreira. "Playing for Porto is a dream," he said. Sérginho scored seven goals in 22 games in his first season with Boavista.