On July 7th, Al-Nassr secured the signing of Portuguese winger Anilton César ‘Pany’ Varela de Silva (born in Tarrafal, 25-02-1989), marking a significant transfer in European futsal. The Saudi Arabian teams are making their presence felt in Europe, with clubs and agents gearing up for a new era. Pany Varela, previously contracted until 2026 with a release clause of 500,000 euros, was sold by Sporting CP for approximately 250,000 euros. This transfer is considered one of the most notable in European futsal history. Varela will sign a three-year contract with Al-Nassr, tripling his salary from his time with the Portuguese champions.
Al-Nassr’s signing of Varela follows their high-profile acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023 for their football team. In futsal, they now boast the world’s top player of 2022, who has won a World Cup in 2021 and two European championships with Portugal. At 35, Varela seized this unmissable opportunity. Before joining Portugal’s training camp for the World Cup in Uzbekistan, he received Cape Verde’s second degree Medal of Sports Merit.
Varela
Varela, from Tarrafal in Santiago, Cape Verde, has a rich history, having started his professional career in Portugal with Benfica and then moving to Belenenses, Olivais, and Fundão. He joined Sporting in 2016, where he won 33 titles, including three Champions Leagues (two with Sporting and one with Benfica), and scored 126 goals with 80 assists in 336 games.
Al-Nassr, having finished second in the last Saudi League season after losing to Ettifaq Club. Aims to clinch the championship and is considering further signings following Varela’s acquisition. Saudi futsal is shaking up the European market, with Al-Ula finalizing deals with Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan for Douglas Junior and Alex Viana after hiring Portuguese coach Mario Silva. The transaction, managed by Gabriel Napoli (Five Company), is pending final payment and contract signing.
Varela’s departure disrupts Nuno Díaz’s plans at Sporting CP, who now seek a high-quality replacement for the Portuguese international. Sporting CP has been active in the market. Outbidding Barça for Braga pivot Allan Guilherme, and parting ways with Brazilian closer Rafa Félix, who joined Latvian champions Riga.