Vitória de Guimarães Pre-Season: New Coach & Squad Updates
Vitória de Guimarães officially launched their 2026/27 campaign today, as 31 players reported for medical examinations and physical testing. While the “Cradle City” club enters the pre-season without any new summer signings, the squad features a significant influx of returning loanees and promising youth talent.
A New Era Under Tiago Margarido
The first day of work at the club’s academy marked the debut of 37-year-old head coach Tiago Margarido. After a successful three-year tenure at Nacional, Margarido takes over a squad looking to improve on last season’s ninth-place finish in the Primeira Liga.
The only player absent from the first day of training was winger Telmo Arcanjo, who is currently representing Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup.
Returning Faces and Rising Stars
While the transfer market has yet to yield new arrivals, Margarido welcomed back several players from loan spells. Midfielder Marco Cruz returns from Marítimo, winger Vando Félix is back after a stint with Serbian side Čukarički, and striker Dieu Merci returns from União de Leiria.
The provisional 32-man squad also highlights the club’s commitment to its youth academy. Among the notable inclusions are:
- Santiago Verdi: The highly touted midfielder and 2025 U-17 World Champion with Portugal.
- Mateus Durães: A 15-year-old goalkeeper promoted from the U-17 ranks.
- B-Team Graduates: Goalkeepers Gui Ribeiro, Lucas Furtado, and João Fernandes have all been integrated into the senior setup.
Big Money Departures
The lack of incoming transfers is offset by significant departures that have bolstered the club’s finances. Vitória secured 11 million euros from the sale of 20-year-old midfielder Diogo Sousa to French club Strasbourg, ending his 12-year association with the club. Additionally, winger Noah Saviolo moved to Trabzonspor in a deal worth up to 11.5 million euros (8.5 million fixed plus performance bonuses).
The club also bid farewell to veteran striker Nélson Oliveira. The former Portuguese international departs as a free agent after a two-and-a-half-season stint where he recorded 13 goals and seven assists in nearly 100 appearances.
The Road Ahead
Vitória will continue their preparations in Guimarães before heading to the Algarve for a training camp from July 20 to 26. The pre-season schedule includes high-profile friendlies against Rio Ave on July 23 and English Premier League side Nottingham Forest on July 26.
Vitória de Guimarães 2026/27 Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles, Juan Castillo, Gui Ribeiro, João Fernandes, Lucas Furtado, Mateus Durães.
Defenders: Miguel Maga, Tony Strata, Óscar Rivas, Miguel Nóbrega, Thiago Balieiro, Rodrigo Abascal, João Mendes, Lebedenko, Francisco Dias.
Midfielders: Beni Mukendi, Rica Rocha, Hugo Nunes, Santiago Verdi, Gonçalo Nogueira, Marco Cruz, Mitrovic, Samu, Zeega.
Forwards: Telmo Arcanjo, Miguel Nogueira, Fabio Blanco, Vando Félix, Oumar Camara, Gustavo Silva, Alioune Ndoye, Dieu Merci.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
