Vitoria de Guimaraes starts pre‑season empty‑handed, loses three key players

Vitoria de Guimaraes kicked off its preparation phase between July 20‑26 without any signings and after the departure of Diogo Sousa, Noah Saviolo and Nélson Oliveira. Coach Tiago Margarido, 37, arrived after three seasons at Nacional and already has a provisional squad set for the 2025/26 campaign.

Who is in the working group?

The provisional roster lists 32 players. Goalkeepers include Charles, Juan Castillo, Gui Ribeiro, João Fernandes, Lucas Furtado and 15‑year‑old Mateus Durães. Defenders are Miguel Maga, Tony Strata, Óscar Rivas, Miguel Nóbrega, Thiago Balieiro, Rodrigo Abascal, João Mendes, Lebedenko and Francisco Dias. Midfielders feature Beni Mukendi, Rica Rocha, Hugo Nunes, Santiago Verdi (U‑17 world champion 2025), Gonçalo Nogueira, Marco Cruz (returned from Marítimo), Mitrovic, Samu and Zeega. Forwards are Telmo Arcanjo, Miguel Nogueira, Fabio Blanco, Vando Félix (ex‑Cucaricki, Serbia), Oumar Camara, Gustavo Silva, Alioune Ndoye and Dieu Merci (ex‑União de Leiria). The only academy absentee was winger Telmo Arcanjo, called up by the Cape Verde national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Why does the lack of signings matter?

Without new arrivals, the coach must rely on players who have yet to prove themselves at senior level. Diogo Sousa, 20, ended a 12‑year spell by moving to Strasbourg for €11 million. Noah Saviolo headed to Trabzonspor (Turkey) in a €8.5 million deal with €3 million bonuses tied to objectives. Nélson Oliveira left after 97 matches, 13 goals and 7 assists over two‑and‑a‑half seasons. The club is now banking on academy promotions and the return of loanees.

What’s scheduled for the preparation?

Vitoria de Guimaraes has two friendlies booked: against Rio Ave on July 23 and against England’s Nottingham Forest on July 26, both in the Algarve. The matches will test the new lineup and give minutes to youngsters like Santiago Verdi and Mateus Durães. The team finished last season ninth in the Primeira Liga, raising expectations for improvement.

How do the departures affect the squad?

Selling Diogo Sousa for €11 million provides a financial boost but creates a gap in attacking midfield. Noah Saviolo’s €8.5 million exit removes a pace option on the wing. Nélson Oliveira’s exit eliminates an experienced striker who still contributed goals. The club’s answer will be the development of the promoted players and Margarido’s ability to adapt tactics.

What’s next for the coach?

Tiago Margarido’s task is to turn this mixed group into a competitive side. He must decide starters among the newcomers, balance veteran experience with youthful energy and ready the squad for the Primeira Liga start in August. Success will hinge on the cohesion built in the friendlies and overcoming the lack of external signings.