DONE DEAL – Kelechi Christian: Portugal’s Portimonense sign Nigeria star

Portuguese club Portimonense have announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Kelechi John Christian, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old has joined Portimonense from UD Oliveirense on a contract that will last until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Portimonense, who finished 16th in the Primeira Liga during the just concluded 2023/24 season and were relegated via playoffs, confirmed the signing on their official website on Monday, June 10.

Kelechi John arrives at Portimonense after playing for UD Oliveirense last season, where he made 32 appearances and scored 2 goals.

The former El Kanemi United starlet began his career in Nigeria before moving to Portugal in 2016 to join Rio Ave FC’s youth team.

During his time with Rio Ave, John was recognized for his strong performances, earning a nomination for the club’s best player of the season and a call-up to Nigeria’s Under-23 team.

In the 2019/20 season, he transferred to Casa Pia AC, where he played 63 games and helped the team achieve promotion to Portugal’s top division for the first time in their history.

John later moved to Australia, signing with Central Coast Mariners for the 2022-23 A-League Men season.

He made his debut in a 2-2 draw against Wellington Phoenix. However, after suffering a recurring injury and losing his first-team spot to Brian Kaltak, John was sold to B-SAD in Liga Portugal 2 for an undisclosed fee.

On July 11, 2023, John signed with UD Oliveirense for an undisclosed fee, before making his latest move to Portimonense.

The Nigerian centre-back now looks forward to continuing his career at Portimonense and helping the club make an instant return to the Primeira Liga.