The economic power of Saudi Arabia is making waves in European futsal as Al-Nassr sets its sights on a star player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s caliber for its futsal team. Their chosen target is Portuguese futsal sensation Anilton César ‘Pany’ Varela de Silva, born on February 25, 1989, in Tarrafal. The Arab club and Sporting CP are reportedly close to finalizing an agreement for the transfer of the Cape Verde-born Portuguese international. In what could become the most high-profile operation of the summer.
Pany Varela, who was named the best futsal player in the world in 2022, has a contract with Sporting CP until 2026. Including a release clause of 500,000 euros. Al-Nassr has offered him an enticing three-year contract, which is hard to refuse at the age of 35. Despite Sporting’s reluctance to lose their star player, the negotiations are progressing, reaching a critical stage.
On May 20, Gabriel Napoli from Five Company, one of the top representatives globally, traveled to Riyadh to discuss the club’s proposal. Al-Nassr aims to build a championship futsal team and, while Pany Varela is their main target, they are also pursuing two other high-profile signings from Europe.
Varela Career
Varela began his career in Benfica’s youth system, joined the first team in 2008, and won the UEFA Futsal Champions League in 2010 alongside Ricardinho. After a loan to Belenenses in 2011 and three successful seasons at Fundao, he joined Sporting in 2016. Over eight seasons, he has won over 30 titles with the team.
As a key player for Sporting CP, which has just secured its fourth consecutive league title, Varela’s potential transfer highlights the financial realities for the club. Sporting plans to use the funds from Varela’s transfer to secure Allan Guilherme. Ahead of Barça and find a reliable replacement for Varela and the aging star Merlim.
With the World Cup in Uzbekistan approaching, where Portugal will defend its title from Lithuania 2021, Varela hopes to resolve his future before joining the national team. His experience and skill make him a crucial part of Jorge Braz’s squad.
In other futsal news. The 2024 Intercontinental Cup will be held in Palma. Featuring UEFA Futsal Champions League winner Illes Balears Palma Futsal and Brazilian Copa Libertadores champion Magnus Futsal. The event will be presented by notable figures such as tournament ambassador Alessandro Rosa Vieira (Falcao), Balearic Government President Margalida Prohens, and Palma Mayor Jaime Martínez.